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THE SPEECHES. ADDRESSES AND DOINGS 



OCC ASTON. 



R A VESNA: 

LYMAN W. BALL, PRINTKB 
1861. 




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SEMI-CENTENNIAL 



CELEBEATION 






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EMBRACING 



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THE SPEECHES, ADDRESSES AND DOINGS 



OCCASION 



RAVENNA: 

LYMAN W. HALL, PRINTER. 

1861. 






// 



At a Harvest Festival in WindhaTi, on the 15th of August, 1860. 
which was largely attended by the citizens of the township, Mr. E. 
F. Jagger stated that sometime in June next would be fifty years since 
the settlement of the township, and gave several reasons why it 
should be appropriately commemorated. 

The proposition to celebrate that event was received with much fa- 
vcr; and on motion of S. W. Treat, Esq., Messrs. E. L. Williams, 
M. A. Birchard and Loren Higley were appointed an Executive Com- 
mittee to make the needful arrangements for such a celebration. 

On the 24th of January, 1861, the committee of arrangements 
called a meeting of the citizens to consult in regard to what arrange- 
ments should be made. 

After various suggestions from different individuals, it was voted 
that the committee ot arrangements be authorized to appoint speakers 
for the occasion, and to call to their aid whatever committee's and in- 
dividuals may be necessary to carry out their plans; and we promise 
to be subject to their orders 

After the adjournment of the meeting of the citizens, the commit- 
tee met and appointed Rev. J. Shaw their Secretary, and agreed to 
meet one week from this evening at the house of E. L. Williams, Esq. 

Committee met according to agreement. Members all present. 

Voted that we have our contemplated celebration on the 27th of 
June, 1861. 

Deeming it desirable, as far as possible, to have the public exerci- 
ses of the occasion conducted by those, who have been or still are res- 
idents of the township, the committee agreed to invite. Hon. M Birch- 
ard, of Warren, to prepare an Historical Discourse, and Rev. B. Y. 
Messenger, of Ravenna, to prepare an Address suitable to the occasion. 

It was also voted to request Mr. E. F. Clark to prepare a Poem lor 

the occasion; and Mr. E. F. Jagger to prepare brief Biographical 

Sketches of those of the early settlers of the township, who have de- 
ceased. 

Col. Benj. Higley and Samuel Robbins, Esqs. were appointed a 
committee to get up an Old Folks' Concert. 



Messrs. A. M. Higley, S. W. Treat, and E. W. Williams, were ap- 
pointed a committee on Finance. 

Messrs. E. F. Clark, D. S. Spencer, and E. Yale, were appointed 
to prepare and issue circulars of invitation to those who are desired 
to be present at the expected celebration. 

Messrs. C. G Frary, David Scott, and Wm. Perkins, were appoint- 
ed a committee on Music. 

Sometime in the month of March. Rev. B. Y. Messenger informed 
the committee of arrangements that he should not be able to perform 
the duties which had been assigned him; whereupon the committee 
appointed Rev. James Shaw to supply his place. 

Jud°"e Birchard subsequently informed the committee of his ina- 
bility to perform the duties of his appointment; whereupon L. D. 
Woodworth, Esq. was appointed in his stead. 

A meeting of the citizens of Windham was called on the 25th of 
Mav, by the committee of arrangements. The meeting was called 
to order by 'Squire Williams, chairman of the committee. 

As it had been thought by some, in view of the distracted state of 
our country, that it was expedient to abandon the idea of a celebra- 
tion, it was moved and carried that we proceed with the proposed 
celebration. 

E. L.Williams, Esq. was chosen to preside on the day of celebration. 

Capt. John A. Messenger was appointed Marshal for the occasion; 
and Wm. Stewart, Franklin Snow, and Marshal Richards, Deputy 
Marshals. 

Messrs. D. S. Spencer, C. Smith, M. P. Higley, Dr. Applegate, 
Henry Higley, and Jesse Lyman, were appointed a committee to pro- 
vide refreshments for the occasion. 

Messrs. M. P. Higley, Dr. Applegate, and E. F. Clark, were ap- 
pointed to select a place where to celebrate. 

Messrs. John A. Wadsworth, W. Chaffee, and J. L. Higley, were 
appointed a committee to arrange seats, platform, &c. 

TWENTY-SEVENTH OF JUNE, 1861. 

This was a memorable day for Windham. The number of those 
who came together on that day to celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary 
of the settlement of the township, was a little over three thousand. 
Many of the former residents of the township were present to par- 
ticipate in the exercises of the occasion. We were also favored with 
the presence of the Brass Band from Garrettsville, and of Military 
Companies from Newton Falls, Braceville, and Nelson. 



The place selected for the public exercises was a beautiful grove 
on the farm of E. F. Jagger, which had been carefully cultivated by 
the k hand of his father, Aaron P. Jagger, Esq. About 9 o'clock A. M. 
the Marshal, with his Deputies, began to form the procession at the 
center, whence they marched in the following order to the grove, viz: 



1. 

2. 
3. 


The Band. ' 
Military Companies. 
Committee of Arrange- 


4. 
5. 


Speakers. 

Clergy and distinguished 
guests. 




ments. 


6. 


Citizens. 



The procession reached the grove, and was comfortably seated by 
10i o'clock. 

The President, E. L. Williams, Esq. called the assembly to order, 
and the exercises were commenced with Music by the Windham 
Choir; "Once again this day," &c. Rev. V. Lake then read the 89th 
Psalm. After which the congregation was led in prayer by Rev. 
Benj. Fenn, of Nelson, who in the "early days" had preached a por- 
tion of the time to the people of Windham. 

After prayer, "The Rock, of Liberty" was sung by Nelson B. 
Conant, Sheldon F. Higley, Julia E. Higley, and Harriet C. Snow. 



IpiSffiral |p 



BY L. D. AVOODWORTH, ESQ. 



Friends, Keighbors, and Fellow Citizens: 

From each widely sundered spot to which the wanderer's feet 
had strayed, old neighbors, kindred and friends of by-gone days, have 
come home, upon this semi-centennial occasion, to once more meet 
the kindling eye of love, and to once again clasp the warm hand of 
friendship, amid these scenes, — so familiar — so indelibly daguerreo- 
typedupon memory's tablets, and so interwoven with happy remin- 
iscences of that brighter spot in each life history — the halcyon hours 
of youth, or with that more active period, the sterner days of man- 
hood's prime. 

Old neighbors, kindred, and friends, who here still live, love, labor, 
rejoice and weep, have gathered in this pleasant retreat to extend the 



6 

hand of welcome, and those, who now 611 the places of the well-re- 
membered ones, who once upon these fields tread the varied rounds 
of life, join in the friendly token and press the greeting from man to 
man. 

It is one of the instincts of our nature to love the scenes of our 
childhood; and there is in every heart, that throbs with the impulses 
common to our humanity, that which turns, even to the inanimate 
creations of nature with which we are familiar, with feelings nearlv 
allied to the regard in which we hold our fellows. 

Friendship for those with whom we have once been associated: 
consideration for that most sacred of all spots on earth, — the old 
home of our childhood, or the scene of our life's labor, have gathered 
us to-day to participate in this ''Golden Celebration,"' and to live one 
day again among the scenes and occurences upon which the "Old 
tomb-builder" has written the sad words. — never to return, and by 
this means to 

"Breathe the fresh air of life's morning once more:" 

While to others it is given to entertain you with the arts of ora- 
tory, to interest you with instructive biographies and to amuse you 
with the Muse's metered inspirations, to me if- assigned the no less 
pleasing task of inviting you to linger with me awhile among the 
tombs of the past, that we may read the inscriptions upon their fast 
crumbling stones, and of leading you a little distance up the stream 
of time into that realm of shadows that marks the boundary this side 
oblivion — time's mighty burial place. 

The history of Windham, which it is my mission to present, al- 
though of comparative insignificance, is nevertheless a part of the re- 
cord that will be perused by the ages to come, from which invaluable 
lessons will be derived, by exhibiting the rewards of enterprise, in- 
dustry, and virtue, and above all, by quickening the ear and sensibili- 
ties to that 

". Constant chorus of continual change" 

that ever is, and ever will be sounded in the pathway of man. 

Less than two centuries ago, a vast forest, broken only by 
occasionanl prairies, stretched westward from the Alleghanies, which 
echoed only to the howl of wild beasts, and in the twilights of which 
the Indian pursued the simple sports of his primitive life. The first 
recorded exploration of this territory, then known by the name of 
Louisiana, in honor of Louis XIV, then king of France by which 
power it was claimed, was made by Marquette, a French Missionary 



in the year 1673. In 1679 M. De La Salle made an exploration in 
the northern part, and afterwards M D 'Iberville in the southern part 
of this territory. The results of these explorations were the planting 
of settlements at various points, principally in the southern portions. 
By the treaty of Paris in 1763, France ceded to Great Britain all her 
claims to this territory situate north-west of the river Ohio. 

Among the divine rights arrogated by crownd heads is that of gran- 
ting possessions, no matter whether they have title or not. Resul- 
ting from such grants, a warm and well nigh disastrous controversy 
arose, during the Revolution, between the States of Virginia, New- 
York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut which States claimed certain 
'portions of this territory, then called the North-Western Territory, 
and the other States of the Confederacy, which claimed that all un- 
occupied lands ought to be held by the General Government as a 
common fund for the payment of the expenses of the then existing 
war. Upon the appeal of Congress State after State relinquished its 
claims in behalf of the Federal Government. 

In 1786 the State of Connecticut ceded her claims, which em- 
braced a large portion of the present State of Ohio, both of soil and 
jurisdiction, to the United States, reserving the*tract since known as 
the Western Reserve. Afterwards, in the year 1802, she ceded her 
jurisdictional claim to this tract also, having previously, in 1796, 
passed the fee by sale to the Connecticut Land Company. 

In 1787, a territorial government for the North-Western Territory 
was established, and in 1802 Ohio, a name of aboriginal origin, was 
admitted into the Union as a State. 

In 1796 the the first company of surveyors arrived on the spot 
where the City of Cleveland low stands. 

The first Settlement in Ohio was made in 1749, by a company of 
English traders, who built a fort or trading house, called by them 
Pickawillany , upon the Great Miami. Three years later it was bro- 
ken up by the French, and it was not until the Spring of 1788 that 
a permanent settlement was established. This was at the confluence 
of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, upon the site of Marietta. 

Trumbull County from the time of its organization in 1800, until 
the year 1807, embraced the entire Western Reserve. On the 7th 
day of June in the last mentioned year, Portage County was set off 
from Trumbull, and its boundry lines so arranged as to not only in- 
clude its present area, but all that part of the Reserve West of the 
Cuyahoga and South of towt ships numbered five. 



8 

Portage is a word of significance in our language, meaning in one 
sense, — carrying place, and, as a name, was applied to this County 
because of an Indian portage path then within its limits, A Mr. 
Honey was the first settler in Portage County. 

A numbr of settlements had been made in different parts of the 
County before the sound of the woodman's ax had been heard in the 
Township of Windham. Until the year 1811 these productive fields 
were hid from the sunlight by the forest foliage, and only wild beasts, 
and wild men, had made their homes where now broad harvest fields 
wave their fast ripening treasures in the summer wind", and bid the 
reaper to prepare for his well rewarded task. Only fifty years ago» 
within the memory of many of us, nature, here, uncrippled by man, and 
unpruned by art, made her romantic bowers, in which the wild birds 
greeted the first sunlight that came dancing down through the golden 
gates of morning, through which the gentle wind sang nature's 
evening lulaby, and around which wild beasts howled through the 
hideous night. 

From this scene so fresh with nature, and yet, in many respects so 
repellent to iheson of civilization, let us turn to look for the germ from 
which this great change we see around us has sprung. 

Emigration is often the result of necessity, though sometimes it is 
simply the means of enterprise, or convenience. The love of place, 
or inhabitativeness, is so strong a feature in the character of men, 
(the migratory classes excepted,) that they would live and die where 
their fathers lived and died, did not enterprise, or some paramount 
necessity compel emigration. 

In the Township of Becket, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, a 
few men met at the house of one Thatcher Conant, on the 11th day 
of September, 1810, for the purpose of considering the feasibility of 
emigrating, with their families, to the forests of Ohio, to build them 
homes and fortunes in its wild luxuriance. No necessity, but the 
spirit of enterprise, that has always characterized the men of New 
England, induced them to look westward for a less circumscribed 
field of enterprise and labor. They knew that old mother earth, in 
her broad and ample bosom, held exhaustless stores of life-giving 
food, and of uncounted riches, and they believed that in many places 
she yielded up her treasures less reluctantly than upon the storm- 
swept hills of Berkshire. 

A short time previously, one Capt. John Mills, who at that time 



resided in Nelson, in this couuty, making a trip to Berkshire, had 
brought them a description of an unoccupied township on the West- 
ern Reserve in Ohio. Reports, in that day as in this, were apt to in- 
crease their importance as they traveled. Exaggerated stories had 
reached them, through more channels than one, of the wealth and lux- 
ury in store for the settlers of Ohio, and, although the news-bearers 
brought no grapes to bear witness, they believed, as they found the 
facts afterwards to be, that their prospects among the wild woods, and 
upon the rich soil of Ohio, would be far better than it then was up- 
on the unproductive fields of their nativity. 

They accordingly drew up and interchangeably signed the follow- 
ing agreement: 

"We, the subscribers, promise to pay our equal proportion of the 
expense of exploring and viewing a township of land in New Con- 
necticut, now owned by the Hon. Caleb Strong. 

Bille Messenger, Elijah Alford, Ebenezer Messenger, 
John Seely, Alpheus Streator, Thatcher Conant, 

Jeremiah Lyman, Benj. Higley, Nathan Birchard, 

Aron J. Jagger, Elisha Clark, Enos Kingsley, 

Benj. C. Perkins, Isaac Clark, Gideon Bush." 

Dillingham Clark. 

Dillingham Clark and Gideon Bush were citizens of Washington 
Township, Berkshire Co , the remainder were citizens of Becket. 

A company was thus formed, and Dillingham Clark, Esq. was au- 
thorized to wait upon Gov. Strong, the principal owner, to ascertain 
if a purchase could be effected, also the price and terms of payment. 
Upon the favorable report of Mr. Clark, he, and Jeremiah Lyman, 
were made a committee on exploration, who, in furtherance of the 
purposes of their appointment, immediately thereafter started on 
horseback for " New Connecticut." 

Arriving in Portage County they secured the services of a hunter 
by the name of Isaac Mills, then living in Nelson, spent considerable 
time in exploring the Township, and returned after an absence of 
about six weeks. The then owners of the Township had, in 1803, 
caused it to be surveyed, by Abraham Tappan, and divided into one 
hundred equal lots. This committee visited every lot and carried 
back full descriptions of the same to Becket. 

An arrangement, before partially agreed upon, was then perfected, 
by which Gov. Strong took the real estate belonging to the several 
members of the company at its appraised value, an appraisement be- 
ing made for the purpose, and applied the same in payment for the 



10 

lands in Ohio they desired to purchase. The real estate so appraised 
fully paid for Gov. Strong's interest in these lands, which was about 
twelve-thirteenths. 

On the 10th day of November, 1810, they became the owners by 
purchase from Caleb Sirong, Lemuel Pomeroy and Asael Pomeroy, 
of Township number four, in the sixth range of townships in the 
Connecticut Western Reserve. It was estimated to contain 14.845 
acres of land, for which they paid at the rate of $1.76 per acre 

It will thus be seen that the land owners of this Township can 
trace their titles through from grantee to grantor to these three men. 

CO o 

In the distribution of the lands of the Connecticut Land Company, 
these men, together with Ebenezer Hunt, drew this Township in 
January, 1798, and received their deed therefor April 22d, 1799. 
The price of their draft was 812,903 23. Subsequently Hunt sold 
his interest to the Pomeroys, who, with Gov. Strong, held the lands 
as tenants in common until its sale to the early settlers of the Town- 
ship in 1810. The Connecticut Land Company derived title, as we 
have before seen, from the State of Connecticut in 1795 The State 
of Connecticut derived title, through the early settlers in that State, 
from the Charter granted by Charles II, of England, in 1662. The 
right to the title so granted by that monarch was obtained by discov- 
ery and occupancy. This title was improved by the treaty of Paris 
already mentioned, and was perfected by the extinguishment of the 
claims of the Indians, who were the rightful owners of the soil, by a 
treaty made at Fort Stanwix in 1784, and by subsequent treaties 
made with different tribes. 

It must be a matter of satisfaction to the farmer to be able to trace 
back his title to the soil he tills, until he discovers the history of its 
origin, and to know by virtue of what acts that title was acquired 
from its first savage owners. 

The land was deeded from Gov. Strong and the Pomeroys, — as the 
deed reads, " To Dillingham Clark, esquire, Alpheus Streator, yeo- 
man, and Thatcher Conant, gentleman." As it then had to be re- 
deeded to the several' members of the company, their next business 
was to apportion to each man his individual share. This they did 
proportionately, making each man's investment the basis; first set- 
ting apart the south half of Lot 56, at the Center, for public purpos- 
es. Afterwards all of this public ground, except the six acres now 
used for a common, was sold and the proceeds loaued for the benefit 
of the Township, where it still remains. 



11 

Tliis act of forethought, generosity, and public spirit, well illustrates 
a principal feature in the character of the fathers, and is an example 
worthy of imitation in their sons. 

The Township was to be called kSTRONGSBURGH, in honor of Gov. 

Strong, with whom the negotiations for. its purchase were principally 
carried on. 

Before leaving Becket a church of the Congregational persuasion 
was organized to take effect in their new homes. 

In the transit each man chose his own manner and time of travelling. 

On the 16th day of March, 1811, Elijah Alford, Oliver Alford, 
Ebenezer 0. Messenger and Nathan H. Messenger, young men who 
were sent on before to pioneer, arrived in the Township, having per- 
formed the journey on foot. 

The two former began making improvements on Lot 84, a short dis- 
tance in the rear of the house now occupied by Levi Alford and sons. 
This bouse, which was twenty feet in length by fifteen feet in breadth, 
was the first built in the Township, and, by the use of props, and 
raising one end of a log at a time, was raised by three men. 

The two latter began making improvements upon Lot 82, and put 

up a cabin a few rods west of the spot where J. C. Ensign's house now 
stands. 

These were the first improvements made in the Township; and on the 
farm owned by the Alfords the first crop of wheat reaped was sown 
for them, by Col. Benj, Higley, the following Fall. From three bush- 
els of seed, sown upon four acres of land, one hundred bushels of 
wheat were harvested. 

On the 27th of the same month oneWereham Loomis moved into 
the Township from Nelson, and began improvements on Lot 92, on 
the farm later owned by Daniel Jagger Esq. His was the first family 
in the Township. 

A few years before the Indians had removed beyond the Cuyahoga. 
A few rods north and west of the place where the C. & M. R. R., 
Station now stands on Lots 85, 86, 87, there were small clearings, 
showing signs of cultivation, and a few decaying wigwams were still 
standing as sad mementoes of the once happy children of the forest. 
An Indian path ran through the northern part of the Township, and 
a few other wigwams, like their builders fast hastening to decay, were 
standing in various places 

On the 12th of June following Hiram Messenger arrived bringing 



12 

the first family belonging to members of the Company and settled on 
Lot 76. On the 5th of July, Alpheus Streator arrived and settled on 
Lot 85. On the 15th, Col. Benj. Higley arrived and settled on Lot 
36. On the 20th, Bbenezer N. Messenger arrived and settled on Lot 
82. At the same time Gideon Bush arrived and settled on Lot 77; 
and on the 27th, Thatcher Conant and Jeremiah Lyman arrived and 
settled on Lot 86: — all in the month of July. 

The next day after the last mentioned arrivals was the Sabbath, the 
first some of the settlers had spent in the forest of their adopted home. 
Public worship was attended in the newly constructed house of Al- 
pheus Streator, which stood upon the site now occupied by Francis 
Poor's house, forty-two persons being in attendance. 

A Sabbath in the forest! I can imagine no theme more worthy of 
the canvass or the pen, than that July Sabbath scene in the early wil- 
derness of Ohio. It is said — 

"•The groves were God's first temples" 
and true it is, the God of nature seems to draw nearer where nature 
reigns supreme. No bell, then as now, from its lofty place beneath 
the church's dome, pealed out from its iron throat the notes of sum- 
moning, and no organ greeted them with its swelling diapason, in the 
house of God. But better far the wild birds cheered them on their 
morning way with joyful songs that sang again in echo among the 
green wood aisles and arches, and the grand old forest waved them 
on to worship the great Author of beauty, and life, and light, and joy. 
The wild flower, dreamiug on its moss-bed of the sunshine and the 
dew, more gorgeous than Solomon arrayed in all his glory, inspired 
purer thoughts and outrivaled all the gilded trappings and paraoher- 
nalia of civilization's grandest cathredral. Nature lay abroad in her 
primal beauty and sublimity, and the sky, the home of her Creator, 
hung in placid lovingness over her. Oh, the forest! Could men dwell 
now, as in those bygone times, more in its freshness and form their 
characters more from its simplicity and many mute teachings, less sin 
and crime would make man weep and nobler attributes would adorn 
his character. 

On the last day of August following, at the same place, the first 

sermon was preached by the Rev. Nathan B. Derrow, a mission- 
ary. 

On the 12ih day of October, Dea. Elijah Alford arrived and set- 
tled on Lot 57. 



13 

On the 27th of the same month, a child was born to Hiram Mes- 
senger, it being the first birth that occurred in the Township. 

Early in the month of August, a school was opened in the hous e 
of Alpheus Streator, which, it seems, was never closed against any 
public purpose, attended by twelve or fifteen scholars. This school 
was continued some time, and was taught by Miss Eliza Streator and 
Miss Rebecca Conant, who, as their services were gratuitous, relieved 
each other once in two weeks. 

These were the principal occurrences in the Township in the year 
1811, except that a burial spot was chosen on the public ground near 
the Center. 

The first winter in the woods was one of considerable scarcity, but 
not of severe suffering. A number of farailes had arrived too' late 
to prepare the ground and sow crops for winter consumption and they 
were therefore deprived of many of the necessaries of life. But fron- 
tier generosity, proverbial for its open handedness, together with that 
boldness and strength of heart that laughs at present perplexities in 
anticipation of better times, brought them through the winter to re- 
new the labors of the previous year. 

Hiram, Nelson, and Strongsburgh, at this time, constituted one 
election district or precinct. In the Spring of 1812, an election was 
held at Garrettsville, but was very poorly attended by the citizens of 
Strongsburgh, for the reason, that, but the four only who arrived 
in March of the previous year were entitled to exercise the right of 
suffrage. 

The first death of an adult was that of Miss Lucy Ashley, which 
occurred on the 6th of April. 

On the 1 1th of June, the first marriage took place. The parties to 
this marriage were Dr. Ezra Chaffee and Miss Polly Messenger. 
The bans were solemnized by the Rev. Mr. West, of Nelson. 

The breaking out the war between the United States and Great 
Britain, in May 1812, caused a thrill of apprehension and fear to be 
felt throughout all the frontier settlements of the United States. But 
the little settlement in Strongsburgh pursued its usual course, as 
though no fierce Indians lurked in the dark forest beyond them, and 
no officers of a christian government were offering a price for their 
scalps. 

The cowardly and treacherous surrender of Gen. Hull on the 16th 



14 

of August, 1812, left the entire West in a defenseless and truly alarm- 
ing position. The British had for sometime been concentrating for- 
ces at Maiden and other points, and their allies, or rather hirelings, 
the Indians, had been in great numbers daubing themselves with war 
paint, and dancing the war dance, in preparation for horrid orgies 
upon the plunder and massacre of the American border settlers. 

An express rider, in passing through to other points, brought the 
news to Strongsburgh. About twelve o'clock on Saturday night 
orders to rendezvous, as soon as possible, at Ravenna, were received. 
On Monday morning all the men liable to do military duty hastened 
to Ravenna to swell the ranks of the militia, for the defense of their 
homes, and the dependent ones who looked to them for protection. 

The militia at Ravenna formed themselves into a company, chose 
Col. Campbell captain, and marched to Cleveland, which point they 
supposed would be first attacked, and at which place they arrived on 
Thursday; having occupied three days in the march. The enemy 
they were expecting proving to be friends, and no other appearing, 
they were discharged on Sunday, and on Monday they returned home 
to their friends and labor, subject to a call however, as were all the 
militia of the State, at any time for military operations. 

The excitements and dangers of this year were the occasion of sub- 
sequent scarcity and privation. The war which was so great an im- 
pediment in the way of their prosperity in every other respect, had, 
at least one beneficial effect; and that was in making a market for 
their grain and other produce, which otherwise would have been val- 
ueless, except for home consumption. 

Several of the citizens of Strongsburgh served in this war. 

On the 27th day of August, a daughter to Wereham Loomis was 
born, she being the first living white child born in the Township 

In the early part of the winter a log school house was erected on 
Lot 86, near where the stone school house now stands. In this buil- 
ding a school of about twenty pupils was taught by Dr. Ezra Chaf- 
fee, and from this time schools were regularly maintained in the 
Township. The whole number of families in the Township at this 
time was thirteen. 

On the 2d day of March, 1813, this Township, previously known 
as Strongsburgh, was set off from Hiram and Nelson, with which 
Townships it had been connected for election purposes, and named 
Sharon. This name is of Biblical origin and was selected by the pro- 



15 

prietors of the Township in March, of the year proceeding. On the 
first Monday of the month following, it was organized and the first 
regular township election was held, at the only public building, the 
school house, resulting in the choice of Thatcher Conant, Col. Benj. 
Higley and Jeremiah Lyman, Trustees; Hiram Messenger and Thatch- 
er Conant, Overseers of the Poor; Levi Allord and Ephraim H. Seely, 
Fence Viewers; Ebenezer N. Messenger,Lister and Appraiser; Hiram 
Messenger, Constable; and Oliver Alford, Treasurer. Supervisors of 
of Highways were also elected. 

Dea. Elijah Alford was elected Justice of the Peace on the 1 5th of 
November following. At this Justice election seventeen votes were 
polled. 

One thing in these elections is worthy of notice; but one ticket was 
in the field. Unanimity is always worthy of remark 

The personal property in the township at this time, upon which 
taxes were assessed, were eight horses and forty-five head of cattle. 

On the 16th d.iy of April, 1814, Nathan Birchard raised the first 
frame barn in the Township. This was also the first frame buildino- 
and is still standing on the farm belonging to the estate of the late 
Israel Birchard. 

The war, which had been a great obstacle in the way of the prosper- 
ity of the settlement, was in December of this year brought to a close. 
The dawning of peace was to them like the first gush of sunshine 
when the storm cloud has rolled away, giving them renewed energy 
in their labors, brightening their hopes and exalting their expectations. 
The seasons of the years preceding had been productive, but, by rea- 
son of the war, the quantity of seed sown was small and the harvests 
scanty. This year the season was not as favorable, and provisions 
still remained scarce and dear. 

The imported luxuries, which are now broughtto our doors, almost 
as cheap as in the climates that produced them, were but little used, 
because of the great expense attending their importation from the sea- 
board. And, even at much later times, almost incredible prices were 
paid sometimes in money, but oftener in products of the soil, for 
commodities, which to us are common and indispensable. The near- 
est stores of any kind were located at Warren and Ravenna, the routes 
to which places were marked by blazed trees, where stocks of goods 
were kept, so limited and scanty, that it was facetiously remarked of 



\G 

their owners, that they kept some goods they would not sell for fear 
of spoiling their assortments. 

These were their only trading points until the month of June, 1817, 
whea Dea. Isaac Clark arrived bringing with him about $500 worth of 
goods, which he exposed for sale in his log house standing a few rods 
westward of the place where his sou, Edward F. Clark, now resides, 
On the first page of the book kept by Mr. Clark there are, with others, 
the following entries: 

1817. JOHN SEELY, Dr. 

Sept. To '., lb. Tea @ $1.50 ,75 

•• y 2 yd. Cambric @ 80 ,40 

" /2 l a r er 1'i'is @ 25 >12 ' v, 

JEREMIAH LYMAN, Dr. 

To hH yds. Calico @ 60 3.30 

•' 1 skein Silk 09 

" 2i,, vds fulled Cloth @ 1,75 4,37 

" }l lb. Pepper @ 50 ,25 

From these entries you may be able to form an idea of the prices 
current in those times. One thing will be noticed as mitigating the 
extravagance of these prices. If Jeremiah Lyman paid six times its 
present value for a dress pattern of five and one-half yards, it only 
cost him three times as much as it would at the present day, for the 
reason that one-half the quantity answered the same purpose. If one 
of our ladies, who usually carry around dry goods enough to have 
nearly stocked an ordinary store in those times, should appear in such 
a scanty pattern, she would without doubt create a sensation; besides. 
what would Madam Grundy say? 

There were at this time nineteen families residing in the Township. 

It was a task of no ordinary magnitude that those early settlei had 
undertaken, and were performing. The severe toils of their pioneer 
life were not alone repaid by a prospective reward, but were sweet- 
ened by occasional relaxations, which, because lew, were the better, 
and more keenly appreciated. 

Durino- the long winter evenings, when the storm- wind moaned 
through the forest trees, that stood like giant sentinels around their 
dwellings, stretching out their bare arms as if in protection, around 
the ample hearth, piled high with blazing fragments of the fallen 
monarch of the wood, they gathered with neighbors and friends to 
talk of their old homes, their hopes and prospects, and to throw sun- 
shine into each other's hearts to gladden and encourage them in their 
labors and their lives. Youth, boyant with hope, and beauty too, 
although in homespun, were there and passed around the tale, the 



17 

jest, and witty repartee, while the children, true as steel to children's 
inclinations, made all ring with the sound of hammers as they opened 
the rich nuts that were gathered from among the red leaves of the 
previous autumn. 

Their few summer holidays were passed in the sports of Nimrod. 
The woods surrounding them were filled with deer, which were hun- 
ted for their venison; with bears and wolves, against which they 
waged a war of extermination, because they were dangerous foes to 
their domestic animals, and with swarms of lesser game, which, if 
at all, was hunted for a pastime merely. 

In these forest sports sometimes they would go alone, more usually 
in parties of two or three, and sometimes in larger companies, in which 
all the men in this and adjoining settlements would participate. 
Upon such occasions the "Ring hunt" would take place. The hunters, 
deploying to the right and left, would extend themselves in a circular 
form around a large tract of woodland, supposed to contain plenty 
of game, and advance so'as to contract the circle, shooting down of 
course, all the game that came in their way, or attempted to break 
through the ring, until they met again in the center. The »ame, so 
encircled and killed, was then brought in and the choice portions of it 
divided. If the hunt had been successful, which was usually the 
case, cheer after cheer would make the forest ring, and each man 
would return to his home, toiling under a burden of forest luxuries 
sufficient to supply his table for many days to come. 

Large quantities of game were killed in this manner. At a hunt 
of this kind which took place in 1818, principally participated in 
by men from this Township, the east line of which was formed upon 
the west line of Sharon, there were twenty-one bears, sixty-eight 
deer, one wolf, and one wild cat killed, besides a large quantity of 
turkeys and smaller game that were uncounted. 

In another part of to-day's programme you may hear many good 
stories of the sylvan sports of our pioneer fathers. 

On the 8th of July, 1815, the first law suit occurring in the Town- 
ship was tried before Dea. Elijah Alford, Justice of the Peace. In 
this suit Hiram Messenger was plaintiff, and T. Freeman Conant was 
defendant. The plaintiff 's claim was predicated upon an otter-track, 
and the amount of damages demanded was three dollars. The case 
was decided for the plaintiff, and afterwards by agreement, it was 
submitted to an arbitration with the same result. Mr. Conant being 

* £ 



18 

still dissatisfied the case was appealed, but finally settled without fur- 
ther litigation, upon the Justice paying the costs and damages from 
his own pocket. 

If you can find such men, to fill the office of Justice of the Peace, 
in these days, by all means do not let them become unsuccessful 
office hunters. 

It is certainly to be regretted, as among the greatest calamnities 
humanity brings upon itself, that men, who should occupy relations 
of amity, will sometimes be influenced by that contentious spirit 
that too often controls the actions of men. But so it is arranged in 
the human organism, men see their neighbor's rights so faintly in the 
far-reaching shadows of their own. 

Prosperity usually follows peace. The year succeeding the termi- 
nation of the war was fruitful, and prosperity seems at this time 
to have begun that long, and only occasionally interrupted march 
toward the point it has since attained. 

In the summer of this year, a saw mill was erected by Jacob Earl 
on Sand Creek, near where the Wadsworth mill now stands. 

On the 11th of April, 1816, the first framed dwelling was raised 
by Nathan Birchard. This house, somewhat changed, is still stan- 
ding, and is known as the Israel Birchard house. 

The roads, as all roads in anew and heavily wooded country must 
necessarily be, were in the best seasons of the year in a very bad, 
and, as would at a later day have been considered, an almost impas- 
sible state. Some of the principal roads in the Township had been 
laid out by blazing trees, and a few of them had been somewhat im- 
proved . The road leading south from the center, now one of the most 
perfect, was then, except in the dryest season of the year, one continua- 
tion of sloughs, over which the foot passenger cautiously picked his 
way on logs thrown by its side for the purpose. The first road laid 
out in the Township was the one running through its northern part, 
now known as the State Road. The first bridge built in the Town- 
ship was upon this road where it crosses Eagle Creek. The only man- 
ner of o-etting about in those times, except by walking, was on horse- 
back. A o-entleman with a lady seated behind him upon the bare back, 
or upon a kind of pillion, was no uncommon burden for a single horse. 
In riding in this manner the ladies must have greatly felt the inconve- 
nience of ascending steep hills, for the philosophical reason, that they, 
like other bodies of gravity, in like situation, must, without clinging 
to some more substantial object, slide backward to the ground. 
Whether any accident of this kind ever occurred, I am not able to state. 



19 

The burial spot that had formerly been located on the public ground 
near the center was abandoned early in the year 1817, and the place 
now occupied for that purpose substituted in its stead. The land for 
the new burying ground was purchased of Hiram Messenger, and 
subsequent additions have been purchased of the Rev. Joseph Treat 
and of Benj. Angel. On the 7th of February, six coffins were re- 
moved, and a new "City of the dead," now, alas! so populous Avith 
those who planned its streets, and who labored on the walls of its 
first narrow courts, received its first pale inhabitants. 

On the 7th of April, a building of hewn logs, thirty feet in length 
by twenty-four feet in breadth, was raised at the Center, for the pur- 
pose of holding religious meetings, and for other public purposes. 

In August, the Rev. Joseph Treat was installed pastor of the First 
Congregational Church and society in Sharon. He was the first reg- 
ularly settled clergyman in the Township. At this time there were 
thirty-seven families, and two hundred and three persons in Sharon. 

A short time previous, the township had been divided into two 
school districts, one in the north and one in the south part, in which 
schools were maintained both summer and winter. 

The first Post Office was established in the year 1818, of which 
Dillingham Clark was appointed Post Master. This Post Office was 
kept in his house upon the State road, it being the same in which Ed- 
ward F. Clark now resides. 

The same year the first benovolent society was formed by the young 
ladies, having for its object assistance in the Missionary cause. 

Ebenezer N. Messenger had apples this year, from trees which were 
raised from seed that he brought from Becket seven years before. 
Two years before, Jeremiah Lyman had peaches from trees raised from 
stones that were also brought from Becket. These were the first in- 
stances of fruit raising in the Township. 

No mechanics, who labored exclusively at their trades, had yet set- 
tled in Sharon. There were several carpenters and joiners, who in 
the erection of frame buildings and in those constructions requiring 
skill, lent their assistance; but they were all clearing land and were 
all called farmers. There was one branch of mechanical industry of 
which the settlers up to this time had stood in great need. This 
branch was supplied by Thomas Lee, who, near the close of the year 
1820, moved into Sharon and opened a blacksmith shop on Lot 54 
near the place where David Spencer now lives. 



20 

Early in the year last mentioned the name of the Township was, by an 
act of the Legislature, changed to Windham, the name it now bears. 
This name was undoubtedly originally derived from an English fam- 
ily bearing the name , differing only slightly in its orthography. The 
first mention we have in history of this family is of Sir William Wy ad- 
ham, who was made Secretary of War in 1710. He was afterwards, 
in 1713, made Chancellor of the Exchequer, but upon the breaking 
out of the Scottish rebellion he was sent to the Tower, but never 
brought to trial. He died in 1740. His son Charles, who succeeded 
to B his estates was made Earl of Egremont. From this family the 
name was introduced into this country in collonial times, and there 
are now in the United States, two counties, seven townships and one 
village, bearing the name of Windham, 

The first school, for instruction in vocal music was opened by 
Lucretius Bissel of Charlestown in the winter of 1821-2. Bissel 
also taught a school for general instruction at the Center during the 
same winter. His wages were sixteen bushels of wheat per month for 
teaching the school for general instruction, and one-half the amount 
of the same commodity for teaching the singing school. 

In 1 823, a considerable quantity of cider was made in the Town - 
ship. Cider had been made in years previous, but in very small 
quantities. 

To reward the severe toil and rough cheer of these pioneers, they 
had, up to this time, been blessed with general health; but this year 
was a very sickly one, although no particular disease prevailed. There 
were eleven cases of mortality during the year. 

Windham, on account of its locality, the rapidity of its streams, 
and the almost entire absence of swamp lands, (there being only two 
swamps of any considerable size in the Township,) had been pro- 
nounced to be one of the healthiest townships upon the Reserve; and 
the experience of later years fully justifies this opinion. 

About this time a story was going the rounds in New England 
newspapers, to the effect, that a company of militia, when on their 
way to attend a muster at Charlestown, for the purpose of a general 
training, arrived at a large chestnut stump in Windham, near where 
James Seely's house now stands, and thereupon every member of the 
company climbed the stump, and went through with their military 
exercises, except the Captain, who delivered his orders from an emi- 



21 

nence near by. This story produced considerable astonishment 
among the New Englanders who read it, in regard to the size of trees 
in Ohio. As it is amply attested by many of the early settlers, our 
conclusion must be, that the stump was very large, and that the com- 
pany of militia that exercised upon it was much smaller than the mil- 
itary companies of the present day, at least. 

Another incident, that occurred not far from the period to which 
we have now arrived, will serve to illustrate a very prominent feature 
in the character of those early settlers of Windham. 

The Rev. Joseph Treat had a field of some five acres of ripe wheat 
which, owing to the difficulty of procuring reapers, was shelling and 
fast becoming lost. Mr. Treat himself was cutting what he could 
but he seemed likely to lose his crop. Maj. William Millikin and 
Ebenezer Earl, together with some others, rallied seventeen men to 
their assistance, and, with lanterns, went into the field in the evening 
and cut and bound the remainder of the wheat, finishing their work 
about two o'clock the next morning. The next day Mr. Treat was 
politely notified that it would be prudent in him to go into his field 
and shock up his wheat, as in case of rain, it might be injured lying 
in the bundle. 

This is only one instance among a number of the same character. 
If sickness, or any calamity, befel one of their number, they were al- 
ways ready to lend any assistance that necessity required. Selfish 
interests were at once swallowed up in sympathy for their neighbor's 
misfortune, and generosity opened her hand. 

The reading matter the citizens had among them was confined to 
the few books they had brought with them, or had since been able to 
purchase, and to the few costly newspapers, which at intervals found 
their devious and uncertain way to them through the tardy mails. 
Although literature, on account of its scarcity, was then much more 
costly than now, to supply this deficiency, a library association was 
formed in 1824. The number of volumes in this library in the days 
of its greatest prosperity, was about seventy. Owing to there being 
no provision for the purchase of new books, this association was 
not permanent, and the books became scattered and lost. 

In 1851 anew library association was regularly chartered, and is 
now prosperously existing. It is composed of about thirty members 
— has one hundred and seventy volumes and an income of about fif- 
teen dollars yearly. 



22 

The first regular medical practitioner who settled in Windham was 
Dr. John S. Matson. He opened an office early in the year 1824, 
but in a few months thereafter he removed to another locality, where 
people were not, as the phrase was, "So distressedly healthy." 

In 1 825 a distillery for the manufacturing of spirituous liquors 
was built on the farm now owned by JohnL. Higley, Esq., by Nich- 
olas McConuel. This was the first and only building of the kind 
ever erected in Windham. 

In 1827 the members of the First Congregational Church and So- 
ciety took measures for building a house in which to hold public wor- 
ship; and in 1829 the pleasant and commodious building now used 
by this society for that purpose was completed. In the year follow- 
ing, the first of the long row of horse-sheds, now stretching along 
almost the entire west line of the common, was built. 

On the 27th of May, 1828, the Disciple Church, in Windham, was 
organized. The members met for sometime at a school house near 
where the State Road crosses Indian Creek, and in 1838, they built 
the neat and comfortable brick building, at the Center, now used by 
them for church purposes. 

Henry E. Canfield opened the first cabinet shop in the house of 
Col. Benj. Higley, in 1829. 

In 1834 the academy building, now standing on the common be- 
tween the Congregational and Disciple meeting houses, was erected 
a few rods west of the place where the Methodist meeting house now 
stands. It was incorporated by an act of the Legislature in 1835, 
and in the spring of the same year a school was opened in it by 
John F. Hopkins. 

In 1843 the Methodist Society, in a single day, built a tabernacle 
of poles, boards and slabs for a place in which to hold public wor- 
ship. This tabernacle, a few months after its construction, was burn- 
ed, together with a quantity of building material stored within it to 
be used upon the house that the Society was then building. The 
ensuing year, their present fine church building was completed. 

In 1845 one of the severest drouths visited this country ever 
known in its history. A frost in the early part of the season, cutting 
off all prospect for fruit, was followed by a period of nearly three 
months, in which old Sol, day after day, climbed the sky to pour his 
hottest rays upon the parched and fevered earth. The thirsty ground 
became brown with its torments, and, burning with a flameless heat, 



gaped with countless mouths for drink ; but not a single cloud shed 
a tear of pity, and the greater part of vegetation became as sapless as 
the earth from which it sprang. The grass withered and perished, 
and the grain -fields became almost as bare of living and healthy veg- 
etation as a desert. Farmers kept their stock but poorly during the 
summer, by giving them every green thing that grew, and in the Fall 
generally drove them to the more favored South and East to be win- 
tered. Before this time the harvests had always been abundant, and 
provisions, at high prices to be sure, were, during the time of scarci- 
ty resulting from the drouth, to be had in the markets and granaries 
of the farmers; and so, although scarcely anything was raised, no 
great suffering for the actual want of food was occasioned. 

The summer of 1854 was similar, differing only in this — the grass 
crop was very much better, and the later crops were more scanty 
than in '45. In 1845 the drouth occured in the early part of the 
season, and in 1854 much later. 

Save in these two years, the rain and the sunshine have never for- 
gotten in their seasons to visit the fields, nor plenty to sit smiling up- 
on every hearth. 

In the summer of 1 855 the Cleveland and Mahoning R. R. was 
opened and a station established in Windham. 

During the year 1853 the Atlantic and Great Western R. R. was 
located, so as to run a few rods south of the Center. This road is 
still in process of construction, a large part of the work being already 
finished. 

Windham Township now contains 179 houses, 177 families, and 
813 inhabitants. The interests of the Township are chiefly agricul- 
tural. The land being finely adapted to grazing, the raising of cat- 
tle and dairying form the leading business. 

Since the time of the first settlement of the Township 443 deaths, 
of which 211 were of children, and 710 births have occurred within 
its limits. 

The value of personal property upon which taxes were this year 
assessed, including moneys, was Si 23, 105,00. Those who under- 
stand the almost universal habit of people when listing their property 
for taxation, may, perhaps, be able from this basis to determine its 
trUe value. The number of acres last year cultivated were 1,178, 
from which 41,988 bushels of grain were produced. In addition 



24 

75 acres of potatoes were planted and 8788 bushels were dug. There 
were 2497 acre? of meadow land, which yielded 3785 tons of hay. 
And there were also 112125 pounds of butter, and 18896 pounds 
of cheese made in the Township during the same year. 

Such Windham is and such it has been. What it may hereafter 
be, time, the great discloser of human secrets, can alone reveal. 

To review the history of the past, when the fruits of its good deeds 
are thickly clustering around, is a desire common to all men, from the 
gratification of which springs one of life's greatest pleasures. Tru- 
ly, no community of people can have greater inducement to dwell 
much and to ponder long upon their past than can the citizens of 
Windham. From such a retrospect they must be again impressed 
with the universal truth, too little known in the great world around 

us, that 

"Blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds, 
And though a late a sure reward succeeds." 

Away in a distant sea there is a sunny island, upon which in an 
ancient time, a giant statue of bronze stood exultant over the defeated 
navy of the "Beseiger of Cities." The Collossus of Rhodes was 
built to Apollo in commemoration of the repulse of Demetrius who 
had attacked this isle of ancient glory and of song. Its feet rested 
on the firm rock, and the first ray of morning that shot from the East 
over the blue ^Egean crowned it with a halo of light less splendid 
than the achievement of which it boasted. The work of Chares of Lin- 
dus told its story to the admiring ancients for a few fleeting years, 
and then mingled with the wreck and ruin of time. Men lookback 
to that remote period and admire the heroism that preserved the isle 
of Rhodes; and they admire that work of art, the history of which, 
half veiled by time, wears the air of some dreamy legend. It was a 
noble monument, eloquent with the tale of a noble deed. But the 
history of good deeds is not alone written upon the tomb stones that 
mark the graves of the buried past. Nobler acts than the repulse of 
Demetrius transpired upon the spot where we are now gathered, and a 
nobler monument towers above us to-day, than was planted upon the 
Isle of Roses. This monument is the prosperity we see gathered 
about us, and these acts are before us in the history we have just con- 
cluded. 

The men whose enterprise, industry, and perseverance wrought 
from out nature's wild difficulties the great prosperity, which in to- 



25 

day's sunlight, from every well known hillside and glen, looks up to 
smile upon us, have in the benefactions they have bestowed upon their 
children, by leaving this to them for an inheritance, proved them- 
selves greater heroes, because their achievements were nobler and 
better, than if they had laid blood bedabbled trophies upon knightly 
escutcheons. 

Courage upon the soil of carnage wins the laurel wreath thatevanes- 
cently bedecks the brow of victory; but true, manly, courage upon 
life's broad field of battle, where through the hot smoke, and lurid 
flame, weird phantoms of childhood's hopes and of manhood's expec- 
tations are ever arising and ever vanishing, ought to bestow a more 
brilliant and fadeless diadem than ever pressed the warrior's brow, 
for it is tenfold more fruitful with benefits to mankind, and it is a cour- 
age more noble than the mere scorn of death. 

''The world moves," said an exulting ancient, and it is as true with 
the world of thought, as with the world of matter. When men shall 
place a just estimate, as they must soon do, upon the moral courage, 
and the true heroism, that gives the victory in the battle of life, those 
old pioneers, with parts of whose history this day is connected, will 
occupy positions of which they might well be proud who, to-day re- 
ceive the loudest plaudits of the multitude. 

Through toil and privation, through dangers and difficulties, we 
have seen them, with true courage and virtuous patience, transplan- 
ting from New England's soil its virtues, and laying wiJe and deep 
the foundations of the prosperity which towers above us to-day, as if it 
would become a monument to commemorate the good deeds of its 
founders. 

I say nothing in mere adulation — nothing in which I am not the 
most amply confirmed. 

Many of them now peacefully sleep in your quiet church-yard, and 
a few are yet among you enjoying the calm of life's late afternoon. Be- 
fore me I see the lame old pioneer, who nearly fifty years ago, trimmed 
the little saplings, then not bigger than his finger, in the umbragfeous- 
ness of which we are now gathered, and I see all the grey haired .sur- 
vivors of the early time intently listening to the page they have 
added to history. 

Men who here dreamed the dreams, loved the loves and hoped the 
hopes of childhood. Men who hereare, still engaged in the struggles 
of life, do you not bid me say to these old men in your common be- 



26 

half, that, though fast passing away, they shall forever live in the 
hearts of their children? And old men and women, who saw this 
Township's morning as we now see its prime, as the twilight of ripe 
old age steals around your pathway you have the satisfaction of know- 
ing that you have made 

" your lives sublime, 

And in departing leave behind you 
Foot-stepson the sands of time." 



At this point in the exercises, Wm, R. Little, Ashley Scott, Still- 
man Scott, Wm. Stewart, Franklin H. Snow, Elizabeth Scott, El- 
mina Spencer, Estella Finney, Henrietta Finney and Martha Frary 
appeared upon the s^age in the costume of fifty years ago, and sung 
the following song, which was altered from its original form, so as to 
suit the present occasion: 

A song for the early times we'll sing, 

And our green old forest home, 
Whose pleasant memories freshly yet 

Across the bosom come. 
A song for the free and gladsome life, 

In those early days we led ; 
With a teeming soil beneath our feet 

And a smiling heaven o'er head ; 
O the waves of life danced merrily, 

And had a joyous flow, 
In the days when we were pioneers, 

Just fifty years ago. 

The hunt, the shot, the glorious chase; 

The captured elk, or deer. 
The camp, the big, bright fire, 

And then the rich and wholesome cheer; 
The sweet, sound sleep at dead of night, 

By our camp-fire burning high, 
Unbroken by the wolf's long howl, 

And the panther springing by; 
O merrily we passed the time, despite 

Our wily Indian foe; 
In the days when we were pioneers, 

Just fifty years ago. 

We shunned not labor when 'twas due; 

We wrought with right good will; 
And for the home we won for them, 

Our children bless us si ill. 
We lived not hermit lives ; but oft 

In social converse met, 
And fires of love were kindled then, 

That burn on warmly yet. 
O pleasantly the streams of life 
Pursued their constant flow, 
In the days when we were pioneers, 

Just fifty years ago. 



27 

We felt that we were fellow men, 

We felt we were a band. 
Sustained here in the wilderness, 

Bv heaven's upholding hand. 
And when the solemn Sabbath came, 

We gathered in the wood, 
And lifted up our hearts in prayer 

To God the only good. 
Our temples then were earth and sky, 

None others did we know, 
In the days when we were pioneers, 

Just fifty years ago. 

Our forest life was rough and rude, 

And danger closed us round; 
But here, amid the green old trees, 

Freedom we sought and found. 
Oft through our dwellings wintry blasts 

Would rush with shriek and moan ; 
We eared not, though they were but frail, 

We felt they were our own. 
O free and manly lives we led, 

'Mid verdure, or mid snow, 
In the days when we were pioneers, 

Just fifty years ago. 

But now our course of life is short; 

And as from day to day, 
We're walking on with halting step, 

And fainting by the way, 
Another land, more bright thau this, 

To our dim sight appears, 
And on our way to it we'll soon 

Again be pioneers. 
Yet while we linger, we may all 

A backward glance still throw, 
To the days when we were pioneers, 

Just fifty years ago. 



Xt%% 



BY REV. JAMES SHAW. 

Why this Celebration? Thechildren will say, "It is that we may have a good 
time together," We are all of us, so far, children ; for we expect to have a good 
time. Ab - eady our expectations begin to be realized. In addition to the rea- 
son, which the children give, the young people will say, We want to hear of the 
wild and thrilling adventures, the marvelous escapes, and the, scarcely less in- 
teresting, struggles, privations, andsnfferings incident to pioneer life." 

None of us are so old that we cannot enjoy such exciting narratives, we have 
listened to those already given with deep interest, and we hope to hear more of 
the same kind before we separate. 



28 

The middle aged, participating in all the pleasures, which the children and 
young people relish, have still other reasons, -which lead them to celebrate the 
Fiftieth Anniversary of the settlement of this Township. Within the period 
now under review, is comprehended the life-work of their Fathers and their 
Mothers. Filial affection desires to make a record of at least some of the inci- 
dents of their lives and labors, and to rejoice to-day with those of them, who are 
still permitted to remain with us, in all the success, which, by the blessing of 
God, has attended their labors. 

The old people, present here to-day, are having a good time with the children 
and all the rest of us. They recall with pleasure the thrilling incidents of 
pioneer life, in which they were the principal actors. They are also desirous 
to have a record made of the early history of the Township, and they rejoice 
to-day, in the results of their labors, as noneof the rest of us can, for they know 
what they cost. But they have still other reasons for this commemorative cele- 
bration, -which have greater weight with them than any that have been men- 
tioned. When they made up their minds to encounter the toils and privations 
of a new settlement, they hardly dared to hope that their condition would ever 
be as comfortable, as in their New England homes. But they hoped that the 
condition of their children might be much better than it could be, should 
they spend their lives upon the hard, and comparatively unproductive 
soil of Becket and Washington. Their purpose then to make a settlement in 
these, then remote Western wilds, was a purpose to live, and labor, and suffer 
for others. Through the blessing of God upon their labors, their fondest expec- 
tations have been more than realized. But, as they look around to-day up- 
on this field of their toil, and over this assembly, they realize, as they have never 
done before, that they have been living, and laboring, and suffering for us. 
They hope therefore that this celebration -will lead us to appreciate our blessings, 
and so to improve them as in the highest degree to promote the welfare of those, 
who shall succeed us. This is the great reason why they wish to celebrate the 
settlement of this Township. 

It is proper that their reason for celebrating, should be kept before all our minds 
to-day, This is an "Old Folks" Celebration. We are thinking and talking 
about what they have done. They come before us to-day and show us how they 
used to sing; and they will yet tell us how they used to live and do other things 
as they are not done now. This is their celebration, and the last one of the kind 
that we shall ever have with them. We will then endeavor to let them ha e 
tilings in their way. We will try to celebrate as they would have us. 

How then shall we obtain a just sense of the value of the blessings we have 
inherited, and thus be led to feel our obligations to improve them aright? The 
most common standard by which we are accustomed to measure the value of any 
thing, is its cost. What must be given, or done, to obtain it? By applying this 
standard we can obtain some conception of the value of the blessings in which 
we rejoice to-day, 

When the pionoer settlers of this Township were deciding the question of 
of their removal to the West, they had to encounter the oppositon of friends. 
But little was known of this region at that time, except that it was full of wild 
beasts, and men wilder and fiercer than they. In such circumstances it is not 



29 

wonderful that those, who remained behind should feel as though they were ta- 
king a final leave of their friends when they started for this land of danger and 
death. They would dissuade and discourage as long as there was any hope that 
it would avail any thing. It is very hard to leave home and friends in such 
circumstances. But this was not the whole of their trial. Although they were 
disposed to dwell, in their thoughts, upon the hopeful side of the case, yet they 
could not but feel that most likely they should never again see the fiyends they 
left behind. To them also it seemed xery much like a final separation. The 
distance was so great, and the modes of travel so slow and arduous, in those 
days, that they could not think of performing the journey more than once in a 
lifetime, should they escape the dangers that would surround them here. 

Asia and Africa are not now so far from the United States as was the Wes- 
tern Reserve from Becket, fifty years ago, nor is the labor and danger of the 
journey as great as our fathers encountered in their journey to this jdace. On 
the most solitary and dangerous part of the route they could not travel in com- 
pany, because of the limited accommodations in the public houses on the road. 
Thus they lost all the encouragement and assistance they might have rendered 
each other, could they have traveled in company. It was a long and gloomy 
journey that our fathers traveled to this their promised land; and a large portion 
of the way was through a comparatively uninhabited region. It would not have 
been surprising, if, quite a number of times on the way, they should have felt 
homesick, and wished themselves back again in their New England homes. 
But they did not turn back, not one of them, their purpose was fixed to make, 
notto find, ahome for themselvesin the then unbroken forests of Windham. All 
around us, to-day, we see the results of that indomitable resolution, which could 
undertake and prosecute, to its close such an arduous journey. 

Great as were the hardships of the journey, they were not so great as those to 
which it introduced them. If they had uncomfortable accommodations by 
the way, they consoled themselves that it was only for a night. But when they 
arrived here, they had to submit to the hardships of their condition until years of 
toil should, by the blessings of God, bring a change. The exhausting labors of 
the journey were to have an end, after a few weeks; but when they looked at 
these dense and heavy forests, there seemed no end to the toil needful to remove 
them. Many a man has gained the name of a hero by the exhibition of less 
courage than was needful to attack and overcome these primeval forests. Cer- 
tain forms of courage have always received due acknowledgement. But the 
most heroic things that man has ever accomplished has passed unnoticed. Cros- 
sing the Alps is mentioned as one of the most heroic acts of the life of Napo- 
leon. And why ? Because, when the exploring engineer returned from an exami- 
nation of the route, hesaid"i< is barely practicable." Butwhatwas that journey 
of a few days compared with the journey of as many weeks, performed by our 
fathers. Before that journey was actu ally made by the first settlers of this region 
it would have been pronounced to be "barely practicable," by the more resolute 
of mankind; while the larger part would have said that ''it is impossible." So 
in regard to these heavy forests. No one, who had ever heard of such forests 
being subdued, would have thought it possible. But after experiment had 



proved it to be practicable, it required a Nepolean's resolution to undertake it. 
Then was a time, as saith the Scriptures, when ; 'a man was famous according 
as he had lifted up axes against the thick trees." If it is a duty to give hon- 
or to whom honor is due, we owe a large tribute to those, who subdued these 
giants of the forest. Let one, who has never gained a reputation by lifting up 
an axe against the thick trees, stand by such a tree as grew upon the farm of 
Mr. Seely,«upon the stump of which the whole militia force of Windham stood 
and went through the prescribed drill, and ask him to fell the tree, and he will 
say it cannot be done, if you assure liim that it is practicable, you will still 
find him destitute of the courage needful to undertake it. None but a true 
hero would dare to attack such a tree. A formidable army of great trees met 
our fathers on the borders of the Township, as they came to take possession of 
it. They stood, not in solid column; but in a solid square, larger and stronger 
than the irresistible Grecian Phalanx. But our fathers laid their pride and 
their strength in the dust. It was not a conflict of a few hours; but of many 
years. If any deeds of courage and strength deserve to be cannonized, then 
surely they should be accounted heroes of the first order, who lifted up their 
axes against the thick trees, which cumbered all this ground. 

But the victory was only partially achieved when the superincumbent forest 
had been removed. The roots of the trees were not so easily subdued. The soil 
was full of them, perfectly matted together. With these difficulties our fathers 
had to contend for scores of years. The work of subduing the soil is scarce - 
complete to-day. There is yet to be seen in many of our fields old stumps, 
which still hold their ancient position, notwithstanding the war of years, which 
has been waged against them. The work of "subduing the earth," which has 
been assigned us by our Creator, is great work. The courage, the perseverance, 
and the toil, which gained this victory for us should be commemorated. It is 
one of the prominent elements of our present prosperous condition, that this 
work has been accomplished. The earth has been taken from its ancient occu- 
pants, and been made tributary to the seivice of man. The cost is more than 
we know how to estimate. 

Our public roads, and our private dwellings, have cost an immense amount of 
labor. If we would know their value we have only to think of the labor that 
would be needful to replace them were they all removed, or were we placed- 
back fifty years. 

But we should do great injustice to the pioneer settlers of this Township, 
were we to speak only of their efforts to develope the physical resources of the 
soil. Though pressed, more than is the common experience of mankind, with 
the necessity of providing for their physical wants, they did not permit these 
to engross all their attention. They knew that these were not their only wants. 
They knew that it was of but small account to labor to develope the outward 
nature, if the inward, human nature, was neglected. Hence one of the first 
things accomplished, after the arrival of the first colonists, was to provide a 
school for the children. The first public building erected in the Township was 
a school house. As the wants of the people required, other school houses were 
erected, till the present number was established. 

Sometime in the year 1834, an Academy school was commenced at the Cen- 



31 

ter of the Township. This school was continued during portion of each year, 
for quite a number of years. Many of the young people of the Township en- 
joyed the privileges of this school. Some of the young men here acquired a 
love for study, which sent them to College. Others besides had their attention 
turned to professional life as the sphere in which they would endeavor to serve 
their generation. Four from this Township have entered the Gospel Ministry. 
Six have entered the Legal profession; and three the Medical, besides these, 
most of whom are the fruits of the Academy, quite a number of young ladies 
have been so well educated as to become the suitable companions of professional 
men; and we have a few more left. Two have gone on a Foreign Mission. 

But this gives us but a very imperfect view of the benefits of the Academy 
among us. They are seen and felt every where, wherever increased intellectu- 
al culture would show itself. This Township owes much of the peculiar dis- 
tinction, which is acceeded to it throughout the Reserve, to the attention which 
the education of the youth has received from our people. And we are glad 
as a people, here to-day to acknowledge our obligations to Rev. Joseph Treat 
and Rev. Win. Han ford for the efficient aid they gave us in starting our Gram- 
mar School. Though they have entered into their rest, the results of their la- 
bors still abide, and constitute a part of the fair inheritance with which God 
lias blessed us. 

Another thing worthy of notice to-day is the prominent place that religion 
has had in the history of this Township. Our fathers believing that ''godliness 
is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is as well as 
of that which is to come," organized themselves into a church before they left 
their native place. In their covenant with God and one another they promised 
''to sustain, according to their ability, all the ordinances of religion." With a 
good degree of fidelity they kept this solemn promise. It is not necessary, at 
the present time, to look into the history of this First Church, and of the sec- 
ond, and third, which were subsequently formed, to be able to see that the peo- 
ple of this Township have been more largely religious than in most of the 
Townships around us. But this is not the only difference between us and our 
neighbors; and the difference between us and them is just such a difference as 
religion might be expected to produce. There is no other cause to which it can 
be attributed. Had we enterprising, courageous, and persevering men to make 
a beginning in this Township'? So had they in other Townships. Had we a 
good soil? So had they. Had we good schools? So had they. What had we 
that they had not, except a mere controlling religious influence? Some would 
not prize the distinction that this has given us very highly. I make these allusions 
not in the form of an individious comparison, but for the purpose of suggesting 
to our own people, that wherein we differ, it is religion that has made us to 
differ. While we rejoice in our blessings, we should be careful to trace them 
to their proper source. 

Since then religion has done so much for us, in which we are disposed to re- 
joice, whatever may be the estimate of others in regard to the matter, we should 
to-day think of these efforts, which were needful to maintain such a religious 
influence from the first settlement of the Township to the present. 

The most difficult thing, which our fathers, by the blessing of God, achieved, 



was the maintenance of this religious influence. The hahitsof sin had grown 
up tall and strong as the trees of the forest. The roots of selfishness had per- 
vaded the whole soil in whieh the christian plantshad to be cultivated. When 
these larger growths of sin had been in a measure subdued, then came up a 
luxuriant growth of the weeds of selfishness to check the growth and hinder 
the fruitfulness of christian seed. They found the moral earth much more dif- 
ficult to be subdued than the natural. Yet with a perseverance that was nol 
discouraged by the number and magnitude of the obstacles that had to be en- 
countered, they have cultivated on this un propitious soil quite a crop of chris- 
tian fruit. Many a less arduous undertaking has been abandoned for want of 
resolution to carry it through. While then we rejoice in those blessings, w liicli 
religion has bestowed upon us, we should not forget the watchfulness the 
praverfulm'ss, and the resolute, persevering efforts that were requisite to secure 
them. 

Thus in the light of the labor by which they have been secured, we can get 
some conception of the value of the blessings, which the early settlers of this 
Township are soon to leave in our hands. It is a precious inheritance, because 
it is the life-work of our fathers and mothers. 

What then is our responsibilitu, who are soon to have only these sacred relics 
of the lives and labors of our best earthly friends? We cannotcompensate those 
whose toil has procured these blessings for us. We can do it only by living for 
those who shall succeed us, as they lived for us. It will not be sufficient that 
we transmit these blessings undiminished in value to our children. They were 
continuallv increasing in value in the hands of our fathers. So should they be 
in ours. We should endeavor to do as important a service for the coming gene- 
ration as the preceding has done for us. 

At first view it may seem as though there was no room for as much progress 
the next fifty years as there has been in the past. It will not be as apparent as 
the changes that have been produced during the last fifty years in the general 
appearance of the country. Still we may perform as important a service for 
those, who shall succeed us, as our fathers have performed. The fields, which 
have been, producing grass and grain for the last forty or fifty years do not yield 
as much as they did at first. The next fifty years will bring us to a point where 
a different mode of culture will be necessary. We will not wait until that ne- 
cessity is upon us. Already the work of a more thorough culture of the soil is 
eno-ao-ing the attention of our people. But should it be neglected till our ex- 
hausted soil made it necessary, we should find that it would require about as 
much labor to restore it, as it did to clear off the primitive forest. If then, by 
the gradual introduction of an improved mode of agriculture, we shall keep up 
and increase the fertility of the soil, we shall do as important a service as our 
fathers have done. We may be constrained by our own wants, as they were, in 
the performance of this service; still it will be none the less servicable to those, 
who shall succeed us, on this account And we may be cheered, as well as st i 1 1 1 - 
ulated in our toil, by the consideration that its results will not cease when we 
cease to labor. They will pass on to bless those, who shall labor for others as 
we have labored for them. How cheering the thought that in our commones 



33 

labors we have the fellowship with the past and coming generations ! The whole 
economy of life illustrates the words of the Scripture; " One man soweth and 
another reapeth." It is meet therefore that "both he that soweth and he that 
reapeth should rejoice together." Our fathers rejoice to have us gather the har- 
vest of their toil; so should we be cheered in our labors knowing that they will 
awaken the joy of harvest in those, who shall reap the fruit of them. 

Our highest responsibilities are in regard to Education and Religion. These 
responsibilities, in part, grow out of what has been done for us in these respects. 
As a mere matter of justice we owe it to those, who shall succeed us to transmit 
these blessings unimpaired. But this gives us a very inadequate view of our 
responsibilities. 

"We cannot determine accurately how far our influence will extend into the 
future; but from facts, which are all around us, and within us, to-day, we know 
that it will certainly extend fifty years from the present. What then is our 
country to become within that time? We cannot give an answer in detail to 
this inquiry; but we can, with sufficient definiteness, to gain some conception 
in regard to what are our responsibilities. Allowing for considerable falling off 
in the rate of increase of the population, it will become within the next fifty 
years 100,000,000. Is there then any encouragement to labor, hoping to be able 
to meet successfully the mighty responsibilities that will then press upon us? 
I unhesitatingly answer yes. According to past rates of increase, our whole 
adult population will become Christian within that time. The present troubles 
of our Country will occupy but a small part of the next fifty years. Long be- 
fore it shall pass away, we shall have reached a condition of peace and prosper- 
ity unknown in the past. The great source of national disturbance will have 
ceased to exist. As our National Anniversary returns, there will be no sighing 
of the enslaved to mingle with the rejoicings of the free; but over our whole territo- 
ry shall be heard the songs of freedom, joyous and exultant as we have never 
heard them. Fifty years to come will bring us well nigh through the long 
dark night of our world. And, only think, some of us will see it !! What a 
celebration will be the Centennial of the settlement of Windham ! We cannot 
conceive of it. If what we see, to-day, had been portrayed to our fathers fifty 
years ago, they could not have believed it possible. One of the pioneer settlers 
of the Reserve said to me a few days since, "I never expected to live to see a 
stage coach run through this region. But I have lived to see stages; and to see 
them run off the track by rail-cars." Greater progress may be expected du- 
ring the next fifty years. All the progress of the past is a preparation for it. 
The inventive genius of man has just been evoked. Its mission is largely in 
the future. What it will achieve in the next half century, we cannot conjecture. 
Of this however we may be assured that it will far outstrip our largest expec- 
tations. Could we know the occasions for joy which they, who celebrate fifty 
years hence, will have, we should deem our occasions for joy to-day rather in- 
sipid. That will be a great Celebration. Let us begin immediately to prepare 
for it. And let Education and Religion receive the first attention. 

When we adjourn, let us adjourn to meet some time in the month of June, ' 
1911, and let us resolve ourselves into a committee of the whole to commence at 
once the preparations for that great celebration. We cannot begin too soon 

3 



34 

After the Address of Mr. Shaw, the audience were entertained by 
the singing of a choir of old singers, led by Mr. Amasa Little, who 
gave us a specimen of the tunes, and the style of performing them, 
fifty years ago. 

The Marshal then called on the audience to be seated, promising 
them, if they would keep their seats, that they should be served with 
such refreshments as had been prepared, till they should all be satis- 
fied. This promise was amply fulfilled, in a short time, and with no 
confusion. 

After dinner, L. D. Woodworth, Esq. read the following senti- 
ment: 

The Fathers and Mothers of the Olden Time. — They cleared the forests from 
the broad acres of their farms, and they eradicated every impurity from the 
minds of their offspring; — They sowed seed upon the virgin soil of their new 
lands, and they planted the germs of virtue in the minds of their children. — 
They reaped plentiful harvests from the one; we bless them that we reap from 
the other. God bless the Fathers and Mothers of the olden time. 

Philo li. Oonant, Esq. of Ravenna, responded to this sentiment as 
follows: 

Mr. President and Fellow Citizens: 

As I consider the rich blessings which have 

been bequeathed to us by the fathers and mothers of the olden time; and when 
I to-day, amid this vast assembly, reflect upon the deprivation, toil and suffer- 
ing of the pioneers of this township, and the results that have followed, my heart 
swells with emotion, and I feel wholly inadequate to respond to this sentiment. 
It requires no ordinary ability to do justice to this topic, and he who makes a 
response, which shall be equal to the subject proposed, must be crowned 
with the gift of eloquence. 

The heroic conduct, of the fathers and mothers who were instrumental in 
making this people and land what they are, demands our greatest respect and 
highest admiration; and all we need know of their lives in order to do them 
reverence is, to contemplate the work which they have accomplished. In an- 
other way may we form some estimate of their character, and that is by the 
aged men and women before lis to-day, who are noble remnants of the past, 
and accurate samples of that body of individuals who having cleared away the 
forests, and sowed the seeds of virtue, have rested from their labors. 

If we cast our eyes around us we see fields smiling with golden grain almost 
ready for the sickle, and pastures covered with flocks and herds. Before us are 
hundreds of intelligent and happy faces which this morning have come from 
homes of beauty and comfort that are found thickly set throughout the town- 
ship. In all quarters are school houses in which the youth are taught the rudi- 
ments of a common education and instructed in the principles of abstruse scien- 
ces. Within sight of us are churches whither, on every Sabbath, the people go 
up to worship. Every thing which contributes to the happiness of a people is 
here found in profusion. But if we go back fifty years we find that our township 



35 

was a dense forest, not a blow had been struck by the axeman, and where now 
are seen fields of grain and verdant pasture lands were then the Oak, the Chest- 
nut, the Beech and Maple in all their original and giant strength. Where now 
are fine roads, were then narrow bridle paths.or tortuous Indian trails. Where 
now, are happy homes, were then filthy wigwams, and where now are churches 
and school houses with the songs of devout worshipers and the shouts and inno- 
cent sports of joyous children, were then the horrid rights and incantations of 
the aboriginees, the piercing war-whoop, the pursuit of the wild beasts and of 
the human victim which not unfrequently fella sacrifice to their savage passions. 

What a change has fifty years produced ! As by magic the primeval forest 
has put on the appearance of well cultivated farms, and we are enjoying the 
fruit of the toil of bygone years. What has wrought this great change? 
Who has handed from the very throne of the Almighty these rich blessings down 
to us? Who has made this "wilderness to blossom as a rose?" 'Twas the fathers 
and mothers of fifty years ago. Some of them are in the church-yard sleeping, 
and we drop a tear to their memory, and some, God bless them, are here with us 
to-day to see the result of their labor, and enjoy this glorious re-union. 

They cannot be honored too much,or reverenced too profoundly. Those who 
planted themselves in this wilderness were brave and heroic. They left pleas- 
ant New England towns and smiling homes, with all the charms of old and well 
established society and took up their line of march into this then uninhabited 
region, enduring most cheerfully the inclemencies of the weather, the diseases 
and privations of a new country, and facing heroically the dangers incident to 
a frontier life. They were not afraid of toil,and were inured to hardship. They 
grappled with the mighty forest and it fell before them. They built homes, 
school houses, and churches, and most carefully instructed their children in the 
principles of virtue and religion, and this is the true secret of their success. 

He who espoused the American cause and attached his fortunes to the army 
of Gen. Scott, and followed him through his Mexican Campaign, enduring the 
fatigue of forced marches, and exposing himself to the diseases of a foreign cli- 
mate, and to the galling fire of a savage foe, well earned the name of hero, but 
the fathers and mothers, who here, amid all the troubles of a wilderness life 
planted the standard of liberty ,virtue and religion, are more entitled to that ap- 
pellation. While the soldier seeks glory on the field of battle, they sought true 
blessings for posterity and the world. 

On this day, which we celebrate, we wish our minds to run back along the 
fifty years that are past, and what carries them back so rapidly or surely as 
these old songs that have just been sung by the old folks. Here in this grove 
to-day have been sung, those sacred songs which delighted the ears of the wor- 
shipers of half a century ago, when this country was new, and nothing has so 
thrilled me as the tones of Greenwich, Complaint, Newburgh, Montgomery, 
New Jerusalem, and others as they have been breathed forth upon the air by 
some of the same individuals, who sang here fifty years ago. 

People grow old and change, the face of nature changes, all things suffer 
change save these old familial - tunes. They are the same that they were years ag< > . 
Their sweet cadences fall upon the ear, and touch a cord that wakes the memory 



36 

of the past. But where are many who joined their voices then in these sacred 
hymns of praise? Their ashes have been mingled with the dust, and their voi- 
ces tran sfe red to another choir. 

I repeat that we cannot too greatly honor our ancestors. To-day we see the 
result of their toil and deprivation in cultivated farms, busy work-shops, and 
pleasant homes; and in an industrious, intelligent, virtuous and happy people- 
— God bless the fathers and mothers of the olden time. 

Mr. E. F. Clark then offered the following: 

Our Babies — Now the sunbeams of our households; but the working men 
and women of 1911. God bless our babies. 

This sentiment was responded to by Rev. Joseph H. Scott, of West 

Liberty, Iowa: 

Fellow Citizens of Windham: 

I am come from my Prairie Home across the Missis- 
sippi to spend this day with you in kindly greeting and familiar remembrances 
of the olden time. As one of the boys I return again to the scenes of my boy- 
hood. I see some of you the Fathers and Mothers to whom I was wont to look 
up with respect and reverence. Some of you here were the companions of my 
youth — a few — not many — for we are scattered never to be re-gathered in this 
world. Gloom is mingled with gladness when I remember some whose faces 
we shall never see more. 

In the remembrances you awaken of fifty years ago, I, of course, cannot par- 
ticipate other than in the traditions of a past generation. But my mind goes 
of its own accord back to my childish remembrances of Windham, thirty years 
since, when the old settlers were still in their strength, when boys and girls, lit- 
tle and tall,went to District School. And ohl such games of ball, such jumping 
and wrestling and sliding on ice, the youth of to-day cannot reproduce. The 
days when our mothers rode on horseback to church, and our fathers went on 
foot, unless, perchance they were the fortunate owners of a lumber wagon — none 
of these covered, spring, gilt carriages!! 

The old church with its full Sabbath audiences. The Sabbath school, com- 
prising mostly the same congregation. The Academy with its lads and lasses^ 
whose minds were just opening to thought and their hearts to love, and the old 
school house where I learned to read and spell, float in vision before me, and I 
am carried back again to scenes of the past. 

The sentiment to which you have called me to respond — "Our Babies, &c," 
is one to which, as a father, I can heartily answer. The children of 1811, are 
the full grown men and women of to-day — The babies in the arms of mothers 
to-day will be the pillars of society in 1911. It is ours to mould and discipline 
them aright. How shall we? 

As we came hither to-day we saw the institutions by means of which our 
fathers wrought in educating the present generation, and upon which we can- 
not well improve. There stood the old white Meeting House with the recol- 
lections of more than thirty years clustered in aud around it. There I heard 
for a decade of years the first Pastor of whom I have any recollection, the 



37 

meek, the pious, the lovely Hanford, lately entered into his rest, who like a good 
shepherd went before his flock, himself leading them in the heavenly way. 

And next the venerable Dr. Hough, thorough in scholarship, sound in doc- 
trine, and incomparable in his use of the English, and, withal, possessed of a soul 
susceptible of deep emotion, and thoroughly penetrated with the truths he ut- 
tered. The remembrances of the Sanctuary and of these teachers can never be 
obliterated. 

No more can those of the Sabbath School, where stood foremost Dea. Earl 
whose bible class instructions were rich in veins of knowledge, and whose 
'Chains of Thought" as he drew them out link by link were chains of gold. 
I remember too, the faithful teachings of the honored President of the day, who 
though often vexed with the heedlessness of the thoughtless scholars, may yet 
feel assured that his fidelity is held in grateful recollection by at least one of 
them. 

Of the Academy I only speak in the praise of those who founded it, and by 
it expressed their desire that their sons and daughters should be able to acquire 
such an education as they could not. Praise to the founders of Windham Acad- 
emy. The Speaker has especial reason to remember this institution with praise, 
since without its advantages he would never have trodden the paths, nor had 
the happiness of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. 

These were some of the influences by which the patriarchs moulded the men 
and women of to-day. Whether theirs has been a successful moulding,does not 
become us here to-day to say. Such however has been the measure of success 
that we will by the aid of God, cast the future men and women, whose characters 
it shall be ours to form.in the same mould, whether in this New England of the 
West, or on the Prairie seas of the great^valley of the Mississippi. God bless 
our Babies. 

Judge Geo. C. Williams, of Port Washington, Wis., was then 
called for, who ascended the platform, and addressed the audience as 
follows: 

He that has never wandered from the paternal roof-tree, can but dimly com- 
prehend the sentiments that kindle within the soul of the prodigal, as he returns 
from his wanderings, bearing upon his brow the scars of his conflict with a 
world of strangers, the badge of his triumph in the struggles of life. Occasions 
often present themselves, when language is inadequate to give true expression 
to feeling; when thought bounds with a rapidity and intensity that words can- 
not express; when silence becomes more expressive than speech, and tears more 
eloquent than words. Such, in some degree, is the wanderer's return to the pa- 
ternal mansion, to the home of his 1 fathers, to the scenes of his childhood ; 
where the first blushing loves of his youth have blossomed, and the hopes of a 
future of usefulness and honor have first opened in brightness before him. Es- 
pecially such is the present occasion; when, like the angel's trumpet, a voice 
from that home has summoned from their wanderings all the children of the 
last half century, again to mingle their smiles and voices, and to partake once 
more of the bounties of their common mother; and responsive to that call have 
assembled from the east and the west, the north and the south, not only the 



38 

children, but children's children to the third and fourth generation, to enjoy 
"a feast of reason and a flow of soul." 

All have not so returned. Some have ■wandered beyond the reach of the 
call that has gathered this assembly. Borne forward on the ever flowing tide 
of time, many have been carried beyond the flood, and landed on that unseen 
shore "from whose bourn no traveler returns." Some have been chained to 
the wheel of toil by poverty and misfortune, where they are doomed to tread 
and grind, instead of basking in the sunshine of leisure, books, and society. 
The worm of disease has gnawed at many hearts, and blighted many bright 
hopes. Consumption, that destroys in secret, and pestilence that walketh at 
noou-day, have fed themselves. Age has crept on with stealthy, silent tread, 
whitening the locks, diraning the eye and wrinkling the brow of its victims, 
until in their tottering weakness, it has toppled many into the tomb. And 
others I see, whose locks were raven twenty years ago, now frosted and wrink- 
led with the burden of their years, standing ou the outer pier of life, soon lost 
step upon that shadowy boat, which shall ferry them across the stream that sep- 
arates the seen from the unseen world. Youth, age, and middle-age are alike 
largely represented in the land of shades, by those who have, within the to 
fifty years, resided in this Township. A few, and but a few, remain, who 
were actors in the first struggles of the infant colony, who have participated in 
all its trials and triumphs, and now stand as monuments of the past, beacon 
lights to guide the more youthful and more ardent into the haven of truth, 
honor and uprightness, and warn them of the shoals and quicksands that beset 
their pathway. 

Dimly outlined in the memory of childhood's scenes, and childish musings, 
are the darkened walls and benches of an old log church, the first christian 
temple erected within the Township. Intimately associated with that edifice, 
dimly remembered, is the tall figure, the piercing eyes, and the shrill penetra- 
ting voice of Rev, Joseph Treat, the first pastor settled in the charge of the 
moral and religious training of the community. As a pioneer in the field, — 
as an earnest and faithful laborer, as a foundation builder and disciplinarian, 
waiving his sometimes seeming severity, he was, without doubt, eminently fit- 
ted and qualified for the position he was called to occupy, at that peculiar peri- 
od of moral and religious development. His foundations were deeply laid, and 
upon a rock that is permanent and enduring, the thorough discipline and obe- 
dience of children to parental control, in which rests the safety of all govern- 
ment, especially if republican in its form. His mind grasped the idea, and 
pi'acticalized the theory, that to secure the faithfulness and obedience of men 
to laws and constitutions, there must be in the child submission to the will of 
the parent, and an habitual reverence for law and government. 

In connection with the general system of youthful training inaugurated at 
the commencement of the career of this Township, and not an insignificant 
means for the moral and intellectual culture of youth, and indeed of riper in- 
tellects, the Sabbath School has held a prominence, and accomplished a work 
which, in the magnitude of its results, can scarcely be estimated, and properly 
appreciated. It is not alone as a school of religious training and culture, that 
this institution assumes importance and value in the community. It is a rep- 



39 

resentative feature in society. In it are found, taught and cultivated, the ele- 
mentary principles which lie at the foundation of our republican form of gov- 
ernment. Its every element is democratic. The independence in thought, 
self-reliance in action, equality in social position, uniformity in moral culture, 
and discipline, and the generous emulation evolved and encouraged, directed 
and guided in moral and philosophical inquiry, are calculated to unfold and 
develope the soul, and elevate it to the highest standard of a true and noble 
manhood, in a manner and to a degree scarcely attainable in any other way. 

In our far off musings upon the scenes by which our childish visions were 
enchanted, and among which we squandered our youthful day-dreams with 
wanton profligacy, we wander again and again through every street and ave- 
nue, forest and field with which our memory is familiar.touching the very rocks 
and trees upon which we were wont to clamber, gathering berries and flower s 
from the same bushes and briars.nuts from the same old chestnut trees,and drink- 
ing, prostrate upon our face, from the same gushing spring, and purling brooks, 
side by side with youthfut friends and kindred wanderers. We meet again the 
same forms and faces we were wont to nr:et, and again the soul is kindled with 
feelings kindred to those of youth, and we forget that we are growing old and 
vanishing away; that even now many of these figures, which dance in life be- 
fore our vision are mouldering in the dust; that many years have since rolled 
their cycles by, and mighty revolutions had their rise and progress in the world. 
If one spot is more enchanting than the rest, it is that where our first school- 
boy experiences transpired; where we learned the A B C of science, and of hu- 
man nature as well. With untiring interest the mind wanders again to the old 
school house, that stood upon the hill, near the mill; the rapid coasting in win- 
ter time upon benches, sleds and slabs down to the bridge, the pond, the mill, 
the glare and treacherous ice, the blacksmith shop below the bank, with its 
half score of flaxen heads and clattering tongues. Then we had the youthful 
soldiery that marched to fancied victory, in paper caps, to thrilling music from 
the fife and drum, armed with wooden swords, and guns of poke, loaded with 
sand. Then there was the summer stroll among the rocks and caves that lined 
the stream above the mill, the echo that spoke from rock to rock, from cave to 
cave responsive to our shouts and wild huzzas; the ramble among vines and 
hemlocks for wintergreens and berries, for moss and gum. Hand in hand with 
those we loved, upon the banks of that wild rocky gorge we strolled, or sat up- 
on its mossy beds to twine the gathered flowers to deck our queens, and crown 
them queens of hearts. Then we had from time to time a sail upon the pond, 
or stream below, on rafts or slabs; and with it often came disaster; boats would 
capsize and wreck; fair forms Would be submerged beneath the gulf, and 
stout young heroes would clasp them in their arms and bear them safely to the 
shore. Often have we wished the genius of a Burns, or Scott might rest upon 
us for a time, that we might render classic these youthful memories by render- 
ing them in verse, and hand them down to our children, that they might proper- 
ly revere the place and scenes so hallowed in the shrine of our own memory. 

Then comes the new red school house below the Deacon's hill, near by the 
spring at which we slaked our thirst, and bathed our burning temples in the 



40 

summertime; its trough half decayed, embedded in the earth, and green with 
cloudy mould. A cup of tin or gourd was always hanging on a twig near by, 
the Deacon's kindly offering to the thirsty traveler, and the thirsty child as 
well. Above the hill the Deacon's cottage stood, now stands. But the manly 
form of Robert Earle, with noble brow and piercing eye, presides no longer in 
its halls. His voice, for many years, so often heard, and listened to with rapt 
attention by ns all, in counsel or in conference, or going forth in earnest prayer, 
often seeming as if touched by inspiration's fire, uttering words of warning and 
reproof to those who erred; encouraging those that faltered, strengthening 
the weak and wavering, is hushed; forever hushed, and silent in the solemn still- 
ness of the tomb. Well may we stop, to-day, to drop a tear, and throw a chap- 
let on his grave, for every spot we may behold, recalls his memory; every soul 
has felt the thrill his earnest words and simple eloquence so often gave. For 
years we sat with him in Bible Class and Sabbath School, and drank with 
youthful eagerness and thirst, his earnest words, his noble, holy, burning thoughts 
which sank deep down into the soul, as in a well, to which we often go, and 
ever shall, when tried and tempted, in the walks of life, and where we find a 
wealth of counsel, an exhaustless treasure. In the visions of our thought we see 
him now, his silver locks and lofty brow, radient with the halo of his office, 
standing before the. alter, which he loved, distributing the elements, he rever- 
enced, among the flock he often led. In the simplicity of youthful fancies, we 
often likened him to Paul, as we have looked upon his face and listened to his 
utterances. Although his field was not so great, we doubt if Paul had greater 
earnestness, or holier desires. 

And here we may be pardoned, if we briefly touch another early record in 
our childish memories, which like a dream, a spirit vision recalls the form, the 
soft sweet cadence of the voice of Dea. Isaac Clark, the early associate of Dea. 
Earle, in his official labors in the church. The outlines of the man return to us 
but dimly; yet we remember him as we esteemed almost holy, and wondered if 
he did not talk with angels, for we knew his habit was to talk aloud when all 
alone, and we thought perhaps the unseen ones communed with him. He was 
our father's friend and we loved him — loved him for his gentle words, his plea- 
sing smile, and noble christian bearing. We loveu to hear him read a hymn, or 
sermon from the desk, a thing we did not often love to hear in those early days 
of listlesness and inattention. 

Let us now wander, for a few moments, among the aisles and pews of the old 
church of twenty and thirty years ago. As we glance around in thought, and 
dwell upon the forms of those, who were wont to assemble there, we note each 
pew, its number, and the name of him who occupied its head. Their forms 
arise again before us, and again we hear their words and voices falling in gentle 
cadences upon our ears. Entering the southern aisle, the aged form of Thatch- 
er Conaut greets the eye, wrinkled and bowed with years; yet with saintly 
bearing. He was truly and really a father in the church, one of its corporators, 
when separated from the parent stock, and the father of many children, who 
bad been added to its numbers. We remember him as already standing as 
a shock of corn fully ripe and ready for the harvest. His words were few, and 



41 

sentences broken, yet they were earnest, coming from the heart. "We remember 
his last words to the church and Sabbath School, uttered standing in that pew, 
"Little children, love one another." Like words coming from the tomb they 
sank down into our heart of hearts, and sealed their record there. Opposite to 
him, upon the other aisle, Esquire Clark; behind Esquire Jagger; upon the right 
and front. Capt. Asa M. Conant, all men of energy and solid worth; men that 
bore the burdens in society, and gave it character and strength. They have 
gone, all gone, and with them Nathan Birchard.Capt. Rudd, Capt. Wadsworth, 
and his brothers, aye, and sons, and daughters, Elijah Alford and his son, gone 
— all gone. Farther on was Major Millikan, a man of soft, but earnest eye, with 
beaming smile and courteous mien, ever wining to the young, inspiring confi- 
dence in all. None of these were men of words, but bold and true in action, 
never faltering when once the course of duty opened plainly before them, 

Others there are, who have gone with these to their homes beyond, whose in- 
fluence has been strongly marked upon the people, and the young minds, that 
have grown up in this community; and many more still living, who have made 
a record, which will stand in bold letters upon the leaves of time, and in eterni- 
ty be read as well. But time will not suffice to-day to note these records, 
were we master of the theme. Strange indeed is the record of thoughts, of 
moral feelings and impulses; and strangely tangled is the thread as woven in 
the web of memory. Many are inwoven like a wreath of flowers upon tapes- 
try, brilliant and beautiful, and all around are names like diamond settings, 
precious as the gold. Again we meet with clouds, dark and dreary, whose col- 
orings have been set with tears; and names are written there, perhaps the same 
that have been written on the brighter groups, and yet they do not seem to be 
the same, the images they bring differ so widely in the impress they leave upon 
the soul. 

In the desk we meet the form and countenance of Rev. Wm. Hanford, suc- 
cessor in the pastorate to Mr. Treat. He was a man of benevolent promptings 
and sympathies, of a deep religious sentiment. He sought to win men to the 
paths of right by picturing the excellence of that way, and its rewards. Under 
his administration the Academy was built, and a stimulus thereby given to ed- 
ucational enterprise, which has been largely felt in its influence upon the young- 
mind, in the community and surrounding country. 

"We may notice briefly one more character, which has left its impress upon 
the moral atmosphere of this community, before concluding these remarks, 
We recognize in Dr. Hough, a ripe and classically finished scholarship, a high 
toned moral and religious sentiment and feeling, and a noble minded and cour- 
teous christian gentleman. In the popular estimation he was not a reformer; 
yet in his teachings we traced the very soul and essenceof reform. He was not 
an orator, yet the attentive listener to his discourses found in them abundant 
food for thought, and soon forgot that they were rendered in a monotone and 
without gesture. His sermons were characterized by a close philosophical pre- 
sentation of his theme, and were addressed to the reason rather than the passion 
of his audience. Never before or since, have we met with equal power and 
clearness in delineating the secret workings of the soul, in unmasking its hid- 
den batteries, and exposing the folly and weakness of its positions, when arrayed 



42 

in hostility to the truth. Often have we writhed beneath his portraitures, and 
wondered who among our friends had been faithless to ourtrustand confidence, 
when upon reflection we knew full well that we had not revealed our thoughts 
to any one; and that his sermon was prepared years before, and in another 
State. 

We have confined our remarks and allusions upon moral and religious influ- 
ences to those emanating from the Congregational Society; not because we 
failed to recognize the existence of other religious societies and influences; but 
for the reason that their record has not been revealed to us; and we choose not 
to speak of that of which we have no knowledge. 

While there is a pleasure in contemplating past scenes and events; and in 
reviewing the progress of the years through which we have wandered; while we 
gather from the record gleams of joy that hang like wreaths of pearl around 
the brow, there is also a sadness which touches and tingles through every nerve 
and fiber of our souls. While we rejoice to meet the living, and mingle again 
with them in their re-union, we cannot forget that many have gone out from us 
returning no more forever, and that others too must soon follow them in their 
lone pilgrimage, leaving their places to be occupied by strangers. All must re- 
cognize the fact, that life is gliding rapidly away; that time is rapidly rolling her 
cycle of years over our heads, and reaching her arms onward into eternity. 
Yet we recognize also the fact that life is not all with man. Before him opens a 
future, which, in its unfoldings may render the brightest of earth's scenes dim 
and shadowy .tame and unsatisfying. There we hope for greetings and re-unions 
which shall never end. 

"Where congregations ne'er break up, 
And pleasures have no end." 

P. B. Oonant, Esq., then presented the following sentiment: 

The Singers of fifty years ago: — Though some of their voices are not now 

heard on earth, enough are left to charm the soul with their music. May their 

songs never cease. 

Rev. Benj. Fenn responded to this sentiment briefly, as follows: 
While I am pleased with the modern improvements in music, and with the 
style of singing; yet, if I would have my whole soul stirred, give me the tunes 
and the singers of fifty years ago. 

Next came the "Judgment Anthem," by a choir of Old Folks, un- 
der the lead of Amasa Little, Esq., of Newton Falls. 

The folowing Sentiment was then presented by Alvan G. Streator: 
The young people of fifty years ago — the Grandfathers and Grandmothers 
of the youth of to-day. 

Mr. Streator spoke as follows: 

This sentiment naturally would lead me to speak more particularly to the 
young. I would at first remark that a change is manifest. In looking over 
this large collection of people, I discover only here and there one mentioned in 
in the sentiment. You, my young friends, may not realize that these were 
once as full of life and beauty as yourselves, and how they managed to exercise 
and keep alive their springs of social existence so natural to the young. Let me 
call your attention for a few moments to this subject. This was a church-going 



43 

people, and on every Sunday, as a general thing, you might expect, to see all the 
young folks together; and, as the first families settled in almost extreme parts of 
the townshp, it was attended with much labor and hardship, yet that effort was 
attended with as much politeness, by the young men lending a helping hand to 
assist the young ladies in balancing a log over a mud-hole, or brook, as by the 
gentlemen of to-day, when he lays back the top of his two-hundred dollar car- 
riage, and hands her to its silken surroundings. 

Then again we had our evening parties in social activity, similar to your own, 
and in gallantry, and effort to meet together far superior. After performing a 
good day's work, chopping, or rolling logs, you might have seen young men, in 
different parts of the forest, on their way to some female friend, to accompany 
her to the party, stop at some hickory tree, and strip loose bark enough for their 
purpose, and proceed to the house of the fair one. Saying nothing of the re- 
ception;one of the first acts was to place one end of the bark in the fire, and gen- 
erally, by the time it was well lit up, the lady was ready; and taking the bla- 
zing torch in one hand, and what had been the motive power to the then linen 
or woolen factory in the other, started into the woods, cautiously following 
marked trees, that lined the bridle path, as the only guide to the place of social 
collection. Now then for the courage so higly extolled by Mr. Shaw. If you 
could have been near, you might have heard hearts beat audibly for lack of con- 
versational powers. Then some little time passed in adjusting and re-adjusting 
the torch, which scarcely needed it, but something must be said or done, when 
suddenly slartled by the unearthly scream of an owl — the howl of a gang of 
wolves, or the growl of a bear, such as none but Bruin knows how to give, you 
feel your companions hand clinging tighter to your arm, and her steps 
closer to your side, seem tacitly to say, she looks to you for protection. I tell 
you there is no more heart Dumpings — the man is aroused; he feels his impor- 
tance and thanks his stars that Providence has shown that he is of some conse- 
quence. No want of courage now; he almost wishes an encounter with -Bruin 
to prove his readiness to grant that protection. No, young friends, your Grand- 
mothers were in no personal danger until your Grandfathers were completely 
"chawed up." 

Perhaps you may ask, did gatherings at such a cost pay? I say yes. They 
pay as well as yours do now, and to us, whose days are almost run, they 
seem to have been more affectionate, heart-felt, happier meetings, than our eyes 
witness in your day. The rehearsal of the adventures in coming together, or 
since their previous gathering, often awakened noisy mirth, and in plays that 
now are hardley known by these youth that hear me, we clattered over the 
puncheon floor with railroad speed, after the girl that "snapped us up" and thus 
stumped us for a chase around the circle; a run that seldom ceased until our 
arms were filled with a bundle of health and vigorous young life, and we had 
snatched the smack, from those rosy cheeks. 

As I look around, I find many of that class are not here — yet a goodly repre- 
sentation is left, who have passed along with the constantly recurring improve- 
ments of these days, and are now what you see; the silvered head, the wrinkled 
brow, the tottering step, and shivering cap borders, all speak of change. 



44 

A thought, not unpleasant to the reflecting mind. We have many objects 
yet, on which our minds rest with delight, and not the least of these is Wind- 
ham's glorious future. This, my young friends, chiefly rests with you. Wind- 
ham has not attained to all that is possible by way of improvement. How, you 
ask, is it to be improved? I answer, by constant and persevering industry. 
Without this, this place never would have been what it is. Labor; constant 
exercise of the body and mind gives durability, activity, and power, 
as well as the capacity to perform great things by little effort. I might illus- 
trate this by pointing.you to several hale, lively old men and women present, 
who can hardly realize that they are old; but I will relate a fact connected with 
our early road making.that will illustrate the idea,and many present will remem- 
ber it, account for it as you please. The first improvement of the road from the 
center to the Sand Creek, after cutting away the trees, was to make a sidewalk 
of logs, laid lengthwise. One tall hickory tree, being in the right place, was 
felled for that purpose; and to step from a log to the top of this stump, then to 
a limb of that tree and the top of the log was the uniform path for pedestri- 
ans, and this limb, so often used, though not larger than a man's arm, was firm- 
ly fixed, and stout as ever, when all the other limbs of that tree had fallen of 
their own weight to the ground, and that stump also stood solid in its place, 
when its fellows were so decayed that you could kick them over easily. Facts 
of observation, of history, and of experience, all confirm the the truth of the 
propositon, that active, persevering application (not slavery) of body and mind 
give health, powei^ influence, and vigorous old age. 

1 Thus may you the Youth of to-day, become the honored and respected Grand- 
fathers, and Grandmothers of fifty years hence._ 



CLARK. 



Ladies and gentlemen ! who have come at our call, 

We've a welcome for you, we've a welcome for all; 

We invite you to .share in the joy and the glee, 

That comes bursting from hearts of the gladsome and free. 

II. 
We welcome you brothers ! though far from us strayed, 
Pursuing your calling in some distant glade ; 
We welcome you back to your mother so free, 
To partake of her bounty once more at her knee. 

III. 
In memory of our Fathers we've come here to-day 
As children of one household, a tribute to pay, 
By recounting their trials, and hardships endured, 
Before our dear homes in these wilds were matured. 



45 

IV. 

Our Fathers, as westward from Berkshire they came, 
Buoyed up with the hope that burned like a flame, 
They conquored each obstacle that rose in their way, 
And thus they toiled on each wearisome day. 



Like Israel of old, they eagerly sought 
This land of adoption, this Canaan of hope; 
No pillar of cloud as a guide when they come, 
But the star of the west, and the far setting sun. 



With hearts of devotion, their pilgrimage ended, 
They turn to their altars, with sacrifice blended; 
Rekindle the fires, that incense might rise 
To the God of their Fathers, who dwells in the skies. 



Thus craving God's blessing, foundations were laid, 
Which in process of time should never be stayed; 
Foundations for Sharon the "tried corner stone," 
His children thrice blessed, his people all one. 



Our Fathers, descended from Puritan blood, 
Soon raised here a Temple for the worship of God; 
And lovers of science, of knowledge and power, 
The school -house they reared in some leafy bower. 



By the stern labor of hands and the sweat of the brow, 
The tall forest yields to the reign of the plow, 
The seed sown in hope bursts forth into bloom, 
And yields a blest treasure for the dear harvest home. 



Our Mothers, how blessed their memories are — 

No pains for our comfort their labors did spare; 

True to the land that gave them their birth, 

Plied the distaff and loom round the old social hearth. 



We glory in the spot 
Where first we spent our '•' Boyish days." 

In our view, no fairer region 
Does the wheeling earth turn up, 

No place so much delights our eyes. 

XII. 
No sterile Berkshire hills to greet the eye, 

No granite rocks o'er which our Fathers trod; 
Ours is a calm, serener sky, 

The soil luxuriant, as smoothly pressed it came from nature's God. 



'Twas here in childhood days 
The gushing songs of wildwood birds 

First thrilled our souls with joy, 
'Twas here we first listened to the huntsman's winding horn, 

And heard the merry ploughman's song, 
'Twas music in our ears. 



46 

XIV. 
And then, it was on training days, 
We heard the shrieking fife the rattling drum; 

It made our hair go bristling up, 
Our feet to hop, and dance, and run. 
Sure it was on training days, we had such lots of fun. 

XV. 
And well we remember the old school house, 
Where we learned to read and spell, 
To write and cypher; 
And where, to correct our wayward feet, 
We sometimes felt the stinging birch. 
XVI. 
We've by no means forgotten the ferrules and whips, 

During their warm application, we were somewhat inclined 
To shrug up our shoulders and stand on our tips, 

And to bring the vexed matter to an end, 
We were compelled to say that we were sorry, 
And promise never to do so again. 
XVIt. 
And the play-grounds too, 
Where we spent our noons, 
Over logs and through the thickets wild we ran, 
We played at bat and ball, 
At hide, and seek, and goal. 
XVIII. 
And then how oft in winter's day. 
Or on some moon lit night, 

We sallied forth 
Upon the glaring ice to slide; 
And oh! the many bumps upon our brains we got, 
What made the twinkling stars come shining out; 

The very thought, it gives me pain — 
The sleigh well filled with laughing girls, 
A far more pleasing theme. 
XIX. 
But school-boy days with us are gone, 

To sterner ones we've come; 
'Tis ours to gird life's armor closely on, 

The battle fight — the victory won. 
" Fifty years have made great changes here, 
And changes come with every circling year." 
XX. 
The hewn log Church, 
Where first our Fathers worshiped, 
'Tis long since gone; 
And in its stead, which stand near by. 
Two sacred Temples point upward to the sky. 
XXI. » 
The flocks and herds are on the pastures green, 

The neat and spacious dwellings 
All through our little town are seen; 

Our streets in smiling foliage decked, 
Where prancing steeds, in trappings gay, 
Whisk the bright carriage o'er the way ; 

And at the North, 
Where once was seen the Indian wigwam, the Indian trail, 

The iron horse now panting goes, 
And sweeps along the fluted rail. 



47 



Of some names I come now to speak; 
And first I would venture to give you a Treat: 
Such names we had in the blest days of yore, 
We have but one now, but still may have more. 

XXIII. 
Flats into my verse I would not weave. 
Your spirits to depress, your feelings grieve; 
But Sharps I'd introduce into my song, 
Your powers to elevate, and your cheer prolong. 

XXIV. 
"Old Yale," far-famed New Englands pride. 

Long the seat of science and of knowledge; 
A venerable name, we have it here, 
All that's wanting, is the College. 

XXV. 
We have no Emperors or Kings of which to boast; 
But Earls and Nobles, a generous host; 
1ST or are we left, shut up in darkness, despoiled of grace, 
But Messengers were early sent to bless this goodly place. 

XXVI. 
Tis said that Angel's visits are few and far between; 
Not so with us, a favored people we have been. 

Angels with, us abide, from tiny years to hoary hairs; 
And we conceive there's nothing wrong 
In an Angelic union with the Strong. 

XXVII. 

Adams, plural in form of the first one named; 

And will you give me leave 

To speak a word of counsel to his Eve; ' 

'Tis simply this — when you are tempted, madam, 

Yield not yourself, and don't tempt Adam. 

XXVIII. 
We have no icebergs here, or frozen zone, 
Or mountain peaks to call our own ; 
But notwithstanding all, as well you know, 
We've always had, perpetual Snow. 

XXIX. 
We have some Lakes, but of that kind. 
Which bring healing waters to the troubled mind. 
Itinerant in their sacred mission here; 
God bless them, in this their consecrated sphere. 

XXX. 
We have no mighty river, which on its bosom bears 
Majestic ships, freighted with our own, or foreign wares, 
Our streams though small, yet none the less we prize, 
Since from their source, such heart- felt joys arise. 

XXXI. 
E'en memory brings afresh to view 
The sports which we in childhood knew, 
As sallying forth with hook and line, 
We angled in these streams so fine. 

XXXII. 
And, if some luckless shiner chanced to try our bait, 
Such joy o'erwhelmed us, that we could not wait, 
But jerked it forth with so much force, 
That hook and line became divorced. 



48 

XXXIII. 
Let no "Wisher," in the matrimonial line, 
Presume to wait too long a time, 
Lest it should be found, and that, too late, 
That he has lost, both j?sA and bail. 

XXXIV. 
The Bobbins built, their nests here, when the forests were wih 
Their music it gladdened us, when we were a child, 
Their featherless offspring have come to be women and men, 
And the old ones are here to cheer us again. 

XXXV. 
To mention our Applegate, I'll not decline, 
Somewhat prolific in feats, in the Rheubarb and Tpicac line. 
Not willing that men, in their exit, should go, 
"The old roundabout way to the regions below." 

XXXVI. 
We've raised quite a crop, who, yoked to the law, 
In the legal harness are striving to draw: 
Good fellows, we'll own. but they'll talk, if you please, 
'Till the man in the moon gets to napping with ease, 
And not suffer the "Old Lady," who never tells lies, 
To sleep with her handkerchief over her eyes. 
XXXVII. 

The clerks of our stores, on whose ears are a couple of pens. 
Whose heads are so many ant heaps of units and tens. 
Should Cupid disclaim you, we'll welcome you still. 
As featherless bipeds, in spite ofyoui quill, 

XXXVIII. 
We claim to be a people of good maners, of order aud law, 
And yet when we meet our minister, we always say Shaw; 
But how to correct a habit, so strongly confirmed, 
I'll own that in this, I am wholly unlearned. 

XXXIX. 
The Clergy, the Reverend champions of the truth, 
We see them yet; as in our early youth; 
Their sacred teachings, and their humble prayer, 
Still mark them objects of our peculiar love and care. 

XL. 
This gathering here presents to-day, 

A scene of interest rare, 
Come from our homes, and regions far away, 

In re-union sweet, these social joys to share. 
XLI. 
The sons of Windham here have come, 

A chaplet on her brow to wreathe, 
Afresh to fill affection's urn, — 

Warm hearts in sweet communion breathe. 
XLII. 
How heart with heart is mingled here, 

As we our varied paths retrace; 
How early scenes all re-appear, 

Called up by some familiar face. 
XLIII. 
Nor all in vain , we trust may be 

This pause along life's hurrying way, 
Deep fountains of the heart set free, 

May blend in streams of love to-day. 



49 

XLIV. 
Our fathers, a few remaining ones are here; 

But most have passed away, 
In the low grave their ashes rest, 

And chiseled marble, marks the resting place. 
XLV. 
Tis said that fathers in their children live again, 
In noble deeds, in spirit, as well as name; 
If so, may we their sons, no recreants prove, 

No apostates from the paths they trod, 
No ingrates to the sacred names we love, 

But followers in the path that leads to God. 

After Mr. Clark's Poem, a patriotic song, "Red White and Blue," 
was sung by a select band of singers. 



BY E. F. JAGGKR. 



ALFORD, Dea. ELIJAH: — Was a native of Becket, Mass., where he resided 
until he came to this place on the 12th of October, 1811. He was one of the 
Proprietors of the township, and Deacon of the Congregational Church at it s 
organization, in May, 1811 ; and faithfully discharged the duties of that office 
until the time of his death, on the 11th of April, 1832. He was chosen Deacon 
of the church in Becket, on the 8th of October, 1807; and dismissed from that 
to act in the same capacity over the new church. He was somewhat noted as a 
schoolmaster of those days, and was a leading man in the church, ever watchful 
and careful of its interests. In his observance of the Sabbath, religious instruc- 
tion of children, and tenacious attachment to Calvinistic points of doctrine, he 
was a puritan of the olden time. He was the first magistrate chosen in the town- 
ship, and although not an adept in points of law, yet he was ever a peace lov- 
ing man, and rather than have the first lawsuit appealed to a higher court, and 
thus injure the fair fame of his adopted township, he took the amount of money 
claimed by the plaintiff in the suit from his own pocket, and thus settled the 
affair. He was conscientiously a religious man; precise and honest to a cent, 
and whether the gainer or loser in any transaction, it mattered not. With him 
''right wronged no man." He took an active part in township business and 
in locating the roads tinder a commission granted to Alpheus Streator, J. Ly- 
man and B. Higley, by the county, and conditioned that it be done free of 
charge. He shrank from no duty. 

• These " Sketches" include only a notice of those settlers who came into this township 
within the first ten years, and have since deceased. 

4 



50 

ALFORD, Jr. ELIJAH:— Son of Dea. Alford, a native of Bccket, and one 
of the four young men, who first came into the township to prepare a home for 
their parents, in the then trackless wilderness. They came with a horse and 
sled, on which their axes, blankets, and a few provisions were stored; and 
traveled a great part of the way on foot, arriving on the 15th of March, 1811. 
He remained about two months, and then returned to Becket on foot, in twelve 
days, averaging about 50 miles a day; and spending but about $2,00 — very much 
discouraged witli the country — several frosts having occurred late in the 
spring, and endeavored to persuade some from coming, who were already on 
the road, and some who were nearly ready to set out. He did not return till 
the 12th of Oct. , 1813. He was a good hunter and plied his rifle to advan- 
tage in the early years of the settlement. As a specimen, one day he, in com- 
pany of two others, killed and brought in 17 wild turkeys. He was an inge- 
nious man, occasionally working at the coopering and shoemaking business, ami 
for a time connected with the saw-mill near his residence. When his mind was 
once made up, he seldom changed his opinion, and sometimes this trait led him 
to fixed, unyielding stubbornness. In March 1820, Mr. Alford, with several 
other familes, left the church and joined the Seceders. He returned to the 
Congregational Church some years before his death, and died in that connection, 
Sept. 5th, 1846: aged 66. 

ALFORD, AS AHEL: — A brother of Dea. Alford, was a Revolutionary soldier ( 
fond of adventure, and spent sometime here during the early years of the settle 
ment. He was a backwoodsman by nature and practice: a most successful hunter 
of bees, bears and all kinds of game; contented in the forest, away from house and 
friends, the character of Leather Stocking in Cooper's Pioneer, or Dan'l Boone 
will well apply to him. He died in Herkimer Co. N. Y., where he, for many 
years, resided. 

BIRCHARD, NATHAN:— Was born in Becket, Mass., and was one of the 
original Proprietors of the township. At the early age of sixteen, his father died, 
leaving the care of the family to him as the acting head. At the age of nine- 
teen lie received an injury at a raising, which disabled him in a measure, during 
life; yet always active, industrious and methodical in his business; he 
made every step count one; and succeeded in accomplishing an amount of work 
that was truly astonishing. He moved the first family into the township in 
1811; and spent about three weeks in preparing a place for his own family home 
when the news of the severe sickness of his wife reached him, and he immedi- 
ately returned to the East, and did not remove with his family till the 30th of 
June of the following year. In every public interest he was peculiary active, 
and where sickness and suffering were found, one of the first to care for and al- 
leviate. So strong indeed was that trait in his character, that self was in a great 
measure forgotten; and his pecuniary matters often suffered in his efforts 
to benefit others. Ever careful to notice, and converss witli children, he laid 
his plans, when going to a distant lotto work, so that the children of the neigh- 
borhood could ride to and from school on his sled — the prattle and laugh of 
childhood were music to his ear, and as a result, "none knew him but to love." 
No hunter himself, he had no patience in seeing stout able-bodied men spen- 



51 

ding half their time, rambling in the woods, and in his good humored way was 
ready to make his feelings known. In the triumph of a Christian hope he 
passed away on the 3d of Sept., 1839, aged 70. 

BLAIR, ASAHEL:— A native of Blanford, Mass., married and settled in Her- 
kimer Co., N. Y. He there purchased and improved a farm where he resided 
five or six years. His buildings were completed, and comforts surrounded him 
when a poor title to his place, lost all to him, and his wife dying shortly after, 
left him alone in the world. He came to Windham in the year 1812, driving 
one of Mr.Birchard's teams from Mass. The same year he married a daugh- 
ter of Mr. Lyman, and in May, 1814, enlisted in the army, jjrobably under 
excitement, and on the spur of the moment, as afterwards he deeply regretted 
it, and said to a friend, "I have signed my death warrant." On the 11th of 
Nov., 1814, at Black Rock, near Buffalo, he breathed his last, aged 35. 

BLISS, Deacon HENRY: — Was born in Lebanon Crank, Ct., and removed 
to Newport, New Hampshire, where he settled in life. From there he mo~ ed 
to Orwell, Vt., where he resided about fifteen years, and removed to this place 
on the 8th of July, 1818. Feeble health for many years prevented much active 
labor, yet always industrious to the extent of his ability. He was a decided 
christian and held firmly to the doctrines of the Bible. His piety was ardent, 
and his interests and energies were more exerted for the cause of Christ, than 
for any worldly attainment. In pointing the awakened sinner to the Savior, 
and in urging, and leading him to active christian duty, few excelled him, 
and whatever seemed to be duty he was ready to perform regardless of fear or 
favor. He died in March, 1829, aged 71. 

BRADFORD, JOEL: — Was born in Gilmington, New Hampshire, and was 
a stone-mason by trade — very ingenious — he could make anything he under- 
took, even spinning wheels, cradles and such like implements, were the product 
of his hands. He was peculiarly a home man, and a backwoodsman, and 
while the forests surrounded him, was happy and contented. A kind heart 
beat within his bosom, neighbors and neighbor's children, loved to visit at the 
home of ''Uncle Joel." He raised a large family of children. He came from 
Braceville to this place on the 29th of April, 1816, and remained here, until 
April, 1851, when he removed with his family to Darke Co. in this State, where 
he died on the 7th of October, 1859, aged 77. 

BUSH, GIDEON: — Was born in Washington, Mass., and was one of the pro- 
prietors of the township, removing to this place, on the 20th of July, 1811. A 
plain unassuming farmer, spending much of his time at home, taking but little 
interest in the affairs of the township. He was avery hard working man some- 
times continuing his labor nearly all night, and at times, it is said, slept by the 
side of a tree, or nodded while leaning on his hoe, for a little rest. As a con- 
sequence, his health broke down, and he became extremely irritable and j as- 
sionate. He had a fight at a military muster at Garrettsville with one of the 
Beddings, and got severely handled. He seemed to fear nothing, and one night 
alone, with only a club in his hand, attacked, and drove a pack of wolves from 
the body of a young steer, that they had succeeded in worrying down. He 
died Nov. 25th, 1821, aged 38. 



52 

BUSH, LEVI: — A native of Washington, and brother of Gidaon, movel 
into the township on the 12th of March, 1818. He was a home man, as well as 
his brother, yet a kind, obliging, neighbor, and one ready to do his part in 
whatever position he chanced to be placed. He died the 2d of September, 1825, 
aged 39 years. 

CHAFEE, Dr. EZRA; — Was a native of Becket, and studied the science of 
medicine with Dr. Brewster of that place. He came to Windham during the 
first year of its settlement, and on the 11th of June, 1812, was married to Mary 
Messenger, which was the first marriage in this township. Here he settled and 
remained until the 13th of May, 1814, when he removed to Palmyra, in this 
County, where he labored in his profession for a number of years successfully. 
From thence he removed to Paris, where he remained until a short time after 
the death of his wife, which took place in May, 1844, when he removed to 
Michigan, where he died in 1851, or 2. 

CLARK, DILLINGHAM:— Was born in the vicinity of Cape Cod, and in 
early life moved with his parents to Becket, where he married, and soon after 
went to Washington, Mass. At this place he kept a tavern for several years, 
and acquired considerable property; when, in 1810, he joined the enterprise for 
the purchase and settlement of this township. He with Mr. Lyman formed 
the committee to explore this place, and report in regard to the character and 
quality of the land; and took $6000,00 worth of stock in the company, thus be. 
coming the owner of about one-fourth of the township. Mr. Clark started from 
Mass. in 1811 with his family, but stopped in the vicinity of Buffalo; purchased 
cattle from the Indians, and supplied beef for the army, which at that time was 
a very lucrative business; and remained there until the night before Buffalo 
Avas burnt; when he started with most of his valuables, and arrived at this place 
on the 2d day of January, 1814. In the year 1818, he was appointed P. M., 
and opened the first Post Office in the township, at his house on the State Road. 
The rise in the value of nearly four thousand acres of land by surrounding im- 
provements, together with judicious management, and strict economy, enabled 
him to become wealthy; and in after life he scattered his benefactions with a 
liberal hand. He gave to Windham its original burying-ground, to the First 
Congregational Society a fund of $33313' as a permanent fund for the support 
of Gospel, $200,00 towards the purchase of the church organ; and to the Wes- 
tern Reserve College, at least a thousand dollars; and often gave yearly to be- 
nevolent purposes more than $500. Several years before his death, his mind 
failed, and on the 26th of Sept., 1856, he was gathered to his fathers in the nine- 
ty-first year of his age. 

CLARK, Dea. ISAAC: — A brother of Dillingham, and a native of the same 
place; lived in Becket most of his early years, and moved into this township 
on the 11th of July, 1817. He brought with him $500,00 worth of goods, and 
opened the first store in the place. He was appointed Deacon on the 25th of 
of Feb. 1828. Mr. Clark, the winter after he came into this place, was discour- 
aged in view of the obstacles that lay in the way of the young, on account of 
the want of schools and religious instructions, and went to Warren and tried 
to find a more desirable place to locate — finally however he came to the con- 
clusion, that the best and the only hopeful way of overcoming those difficulties 



53 

was to labor and toil in improving our own society; and most faithfuly did he 
ever after labor for that object. Mr. Treat lived several years with Mr. Clark, 
and in the spring of 1818, organized a Sabbath School in which Deacon Clark 
was ever known as an active and efficient laborer. So peculiarly interested was 
he in the welfare of the young, that for many years he maintained a Bible Class 
at his own house, and whenever an opportunity occurred to benefit his fellow 
men, he was ready to embrace it, without regard to pecuniary losses that might 
be required to accomplish the object. He was pre-eminently a man of prayer, 
and an active christian. On the 2lstof Sept. 1837, he ceased from his labors, 
aged 58. 

CONANT, THATCHER:— Was born in Barnstable, Mass., and in early life 
came to Becket, where he resided until his removal to this place; reaching here 
on the 13th of July, and settling on his farm on the 27th of the same month. 
1811. He was a leader in the movement for purchsing the township, and one 
of the three to whom the deed of purchase was given. At his house in Becket, 
the first meeting of the company was held. Always active in whatever he 
thought would further the interests of the township, he gave his time and means 
liberally to promote its welfare, and as long as he lived, was looked up to with 
affectionate regard by its inhabitants. Mr. Conant, his wife and daughter, were 
members of the original church, formed in Becket, and he was chosen Clerk of 
the same. He was ever active in labors to promote the spiritual interests of the 
Redeemer's kingdom in our midst, and died in faith, having a lively hope of 
a glorious immortality beyond the grave, on the 1st of Oct, 1840, aged 73 years. 

CONANT, ASA M;— Son of Thatcher, a native of Becket, born in March, 
1800, and came with his father to this place. An active able-bodied man, who, 
took a deep interest in the cause of education, and labored faithfully to promote 
the interests of schooLs. In building the Academy in this place, he was deej - 
ly engaged, spending time and money, liberally to accomplish that object. He 
was inclined to undertake more than he could thoroughly accomplish. For 
years he adorned the christian profession, and died in Feb., 1846, leaving a 
large family to mourn his loss. 

DELONG, JOSEPH; — Was a native of Vermont, and removed from there 
to the Holland purchase in the State of N. Y. Here he remained three or four 
years, clearing and improving a farm he purchased there. On the 27th of Feb. 
1818, he removed to this place. A hard working man; the axe was his favor- 
ite implement, and hundreds of acres of these cleared farms bear witness to the 
power with which he wielded it. Somewhat headstrong in his own way, things 
were not always pleasant in his own family, and in his old age he left the fam- 
ily home, visited his children at the West, and on the 15th of April, 1859, re- 
moved to Pierpont, Ashtabula Co., and resided with his daughter until the 
time of his death, which took place Feb. 9th, 1861, at the age of 83 or 84. 

EARL, Dea. ROBERT; — Was born in Essex Co., New Jersey, and removed 
to Warren during the first years of its settlement, and, after remaining there a 
few years, he moved to Newton in the same county, and on the 28th of Feb.. 
1816, came to this place. He enlisted in the war of 1812, and went as first 
Lieutenant under Capt. Dull, of Paris; was at the seige of Fort Meigs in May, 



54 

1813, and in a company detailed as an escort to the baggage wagons through 
the Maumee Swamp. He used to relate the following anecdote — and we have 
reason to believe he was an actor in it; — that at one of those bottomless mud- 
holes the teams gave out, and as the men were lifting and prying at the sinking 
wagons, several of them in mud and water up to their waist-bands. General 
Harrison came along, cheered, and swung his sword, highly complimenting 
their ardor and perseverance, exclaiming, ''My brave comrades ! such men as 
yon can never be conquered." Dea. Earl had few opportunities for a common 
school education in early life, yet he became one of the most leading men in 
the middle history of the past fifty years, especially in the Congregational 
Church, of which he became a member soon after his conversion, in 1821. In 
Feb. 1828, he was chosen Deacon, which office he filled, with marked energy 
and ability, until the time of his death, which took place on the 20th of Dec, 
1855, at the age of 67. 

EARL, JACOB; — A brother of the above named, removed from their native 
place, and settled for a short time in Braceville. "While his family were there 
Mr. Earl came to this place, and, with Mr. Yale, erected on the 6th of Nov., 
1813, the first frame building in the township, a saw-mill 1}* miles West 
and )o South of the Center, and, on the 3d of March, 1814, removed his family 
to this place, where he remained an active industrious member of society until 
the year 1849, when he moved to Marion Co., 111., to a place now called Omega, 
aud again commenced a home in the wilds of the forest. He was a zealous, gif- 
ted and devoted christian, and his influence was constantly felt; religious meet- 
ings were held for a time at his own house, and as the settlement increased the 
religious element fully kept pace with it. Before his death he had the unspeak- 
able pleasure of seeing a church gathered, a house of worship erected, and the 
stated ministry of the Gospel enjoyed. We have reason to believe that his ef- 
forts were largely instrumental in accomplishing this result, and that people de- 
light to honor his memory. Mr. Earl, as well as his brother Robert, were both 
excellent hunters, and good marksman, yet they spent but little time in that 
employment, although generally very successful. He is said to have built a 
comfortable house, entirely from the timber of a mammoth oak in Illinois. He 
died in the Spring of 1853, at the age of 72. 

EARL, JOSEPH; — Another brother of the above named, moved into this 
township with his mother in the year 1817, and resided here until the year 
1819, when his mother left tins place. He continued here most of his time. 
Married in 1823, moved to Warren in 1825, and afterwards to Weathersfield 
in the same Co., where he died about one year after his brother Robert. 

EARL, JAMES; — Son of Jacob Earl; was from his youth a very industri- 
ous, hard working man. He was a mason by trade, and for many years carried 
on a farm, and pursued his trade at the same time; closely attentive to his own 
affairs, upright and honest in his intercourse with the world. He di dof con- 
sumption, Nov. 28th, 1845, aged 39 years; having a christian's hope to sustain 
him in the dark valley. 

EGGLESTON, OLIVER;— A native of Middlefield, Mass; moved to this 
place the 28th of Dec. 1812, aud lived awhile at the house of Alpheus Strea- 



55 

tor. He was a hard working man; noted for sharing shingles, and such like 
coarse work, rather rough in his intercourse with society, and when under the 
influence of strong drink, to which he was addicted, noisy and quarrelsome. 
He remained here about a year, and returned to the East, where he enlisted in 
the army, and on the expiration of his term of service, again returned to 
this place, and continued to reside here until about the year 1826, when he re- 
moved to Mantua in this Co., and there died, many years since. 

ELLIS, LEVI; — A native of Lee, Mass, married a sister of Erastus Snow 
in Becket, and moved to Windham on the 12th of May 1817. He did but 
little in the public affairs of the township, and soon after the death of his wife, 
in the year 1832, he removed to Pierpout, Ashtabula Co. where he a few years 
after, died. His wife was for about ten years previous to her death deranged. 

FOOT, JONATHAN;— Was a native of Lee, Mass. and obtained a thorough 
classical education at Yale College. 

He taught school in Aurora for some time, married a daughter of Mr. Lyman , 
and moved into this township on the 25th of April, 1817. He died Jan. 25th, 
1846, and with singular fatality, one and another of his family were struck 
down in death, and for years past but a single daughter remains of a family of 
eight. Education did not wholly correct a tendency in him to multiply words, 
and make himself prominent; thus betraying a lack of discretion. Asa public 
reader few excelled him. 

FOSTER, SAMUEL;— Came from Lenox, Mass. to this place on the 3d of 
October, 1818. He was a hard working man, steady, honest and unassuming 
in his habits. Connected with the Cong. Church in Dec, 1821, and joined tin- 
Disciples in 1828. He remained in this place until the time of his death, which 
took place in August, 1833. No stone marks his grave, which lies side by side 
with two of his sons. 

FERGUSON, REUBEN;— Was a native of Vermont, and removed to this 
place in July, 1817. He was a brick mason by trade; a very honest man, a 
kind, generous,and obliging neighbor. In religious activity his life shone forth 
with a brilliant lustre, and, by a well ordered life and godly conversation, he in 
an eminent degree adorned the christian profession. Precept and example 
went together, and we have the fullest reason to believe "that for him to die was 
gain." He removed from this township to Braceville, some sixteen years since, 
and from thence to Nelson, about nine years since, where lie died. 

HIGLEY, JOSEPH;— Was a native of Becket, and born in April, 1774. 
His early opportunites for gaining an education, were very limited, yet by 
reading, study and meditation in early manhood, he was enabled to obtain a 
fair amount of knowledge, and became a teacher of the olden time, whose 
praise is yet in the mouths of those, who in early life were favored with his in- 
structions. He occasionally used the surveyor's chain. Mr. Higley arrived in 
this township, in company with John Seley, on the 19th of Oct, 1815. On 
their way out, the covered wogon of Mr. H, was turned over by running over 
a stump on the very brink of the bank that overlooks the lake, and the cover 
alone prevented the vehicle and family from a serious, and perhaps a fatal plunge 
down the bank into the lake; as it was, a keg of cider brandy, aud a kettle 



56 

went spinning down the hank to the bottom. He was one of the few men who 
have activity and power in sustaining the prayer meeting, Sabbath school and 
other religions institutions, and on the 18th of Oct. 1825, entered into rest. 

HOBART, WILLIAM; — Was a native of Connecticut, and came from the 
State of New York, to this township, with Ezra Taylor in the Spring of 1816, 
putting up a small cabin, and planting a little garden among the logs, where 
George Fay's orchard now stands, spending the following winter alo7ie in the 
forest, and living on the scanty products, the little garden supplied. He was a sol- 
dier of the Revolution, and served during nearly the entire struggle for our inde- 
pendence, under Capt. Moses Ashley, a relative of the Birchard family. Although 
poor in this world's goods, he was one of the excellent of the earth, a man of the 
highest christian experience and piety. In his history we have an instance of 
the "righteous never forsaken," as marked perhaps, as the story in our school 
readers, where the last herring smoked upon the coals in 1he poor widow's cot- 
tage. Mr. Birchard had received a hint of the probable want of this lonely 
neighbor, and one pleasant Sabbath, he felt an impulse that urged him to visit 
the cabin of Mr. Hobart, and filling his ample saddle-bags with well selected 
provisions, he and one of his sons, went to the little hut, and after knocking, 
gently opened the door — all was still — the well thumbed Bible, that old soldier 
had carried through the war, lay on its little puncheon shelf, and not a particle of 
food was to be found in that silent room; he knew that want was there, and un- 
loading his saddle-bags, returned home. That morning, Mr. Hobart had, after 
presenting his petitions to the throne of grace, and supplicating daily bread of 
his Heavenly Father, gone out into the woods to pick berries, and dig roots to 
satisfy his gnawing hanger. Mr. Birchard felt uneasy, and as day advanced, 
returned again to the little cabin when, as he approached, a voice was heard, 
and on listening, words of prayer welled forth from that christian's heart, and 
devout thanksgiving and joyful praise, almost choked his utterance. We leave 
this meeting to the imagination; yet from it and its associations, an intimate 
christian friendship commenced, that was only broken by death. Mr. H. was 
a close observer of nature, and the names of plants through the forest with hii 
were household words. After a long and painful illness, in the year - 1821, 
that soldier of the cross received his crown. No stone marks his grave 

JAGGER, DANIEL; — Was born in Hebron, Conn, and at the age of four, 
went with his parents to Becket, where he remained until his removal to this 
place, on the 3lst of October, 1815. His departure from that place was delayed 
for a time rather than leave his aged mother to the care of strangers^ or attempt 
to remove her to the hardships of anew settlement. He was a man of consid- 
erable property when he came to this place, and by active industry increased it, 
so that at the timeof his death, he was considered a wealthy man. He gave $100, 
towards the purchase of the church organ, and considerable to other benevolent 
objects; yet rather close economy characterized him through life. As a christ- 
ian, he was careful in the observance of his duties, and although living at a 
distance of nearly four miles from church, his seat was scarcely ever vacant. 
His death took place an the 28th of Oct. 1851, in the 72d year of his age. 

LYMAN, JEREMIAH;— Was born in Coventry, Conn., and removed from 



57 

that place to Becket, where he followed the tanner's trade for many years He 
was one of the active men in the movement to purchase this township, and as joint 
committee with Esq. Clark, explored this place in the fall of 1810, visited every lot 
and noted down the character and the quality of the land, and reported favorably 
on his return. He started from Becket about the 1st of June, 1811, in compa- 
ny with Mr. Alpheus Streator, Thatcher Conant and Benjamin Higley, and 
came forward as far as Utica, in the State of N. Y., when Mrs. Lyman was 
taken sick, and her health being very feeble at the best, she sunk rapidly, and 
on the 16th, died. Kindness and sympathy characterized the strangers, whose 
roof sheltered, and whose hands supplied the comforts that her sickness re- 
quired, and therein that unknown grave, rest all that remains on earth of that 
first called member of the little church, organized in Becket, in 1810 — Pursu- 
ing his lonely journey, he reached this place and settled on his farm> on the 
27th of July. He was a man of few words, sought no public notoriety, yet, 
when placed in any office of trust by his fellow citizens, discharged the duties 
imposed upon him with unflinching integrity. Although no hunter, he shot a 
bear treed by Mr. Yale, North West of J. L. Higley 's house, with a gun loaded 
only with small shot — a single grain alone striking Bruin in the eye, and a deer 
in his own door-yard with a scythe he had just been using in an adjoining 
meadow. He was a valuable neighbor, and an exemplary christian. His death 
took place on the 19th of August, 1845, in the 80th year of his age. 

LOOMIS, WAREHAM;— Was a native of Mass., and, on the 27th of March, 
1811, moved from Nelson into the first log house built in this township, and 
assisted with his team in drawing together the logs of which it was composed. 
He remained in this place until December of the following year, when he moved 
to Mantua in this Co. The first living child born in the township, was in this 
family. Loomis was considered a hard customer, and one anecdote will pre- 
sent his character to the life — he constituted himself agent for the proprietors 
of this place, and at Holliday's Mills — known since as Prices' — contracted for 
$80,00 worth of flour and pork, to be paid for in the fall, when they should 
receive the money due them on their farms. This trick worked well for him, 
and he managed, during the Summer, to demand the provisions, take them to 
a distant market, and dispose of them at a very paying profit, lining his pock- 
ets well with the avails. Judge then, of the surprise of the honest miller, when 
he came to collect his just dues of the proprietors, at being told that Loomis 
was no agent of theirs, and never had been. He, in Mantua, rescued Judge At- 
water from the crushing hug of a wounded bear, and, to him no doubt, he owed 
his life, as the Judge's wounds were very severe. He was afterwards convicted 
in a case of larceny, and sent to the penitentiary, where he spent the term, and 
on his release, agreeably to the promise made to his family, he left for parts un- 
known, and was never heard from. 

MESSENGER, EBENEZER N.— Was a native of Becket, and moved to 
Windham on the 20th of July, 1811. He was one of the original proprietors of 
the township — a man of steady industrious habits, somewhat reserved in his 
disposition, but kind and agreeable as a neighbor, unless some insult had 
aroused in him feelings of resentment, which were sometimes rather bitter. He 
was ever interested in the welfare of the township, and filled with ability any 



58 

position of trust and responsibility imposed on him. He was drowned in liis 
spring, on the 13th of Oct. 1828, as he was attempting to dip up a pail of wa- 
ter. The spring at the time was low; it being nearly five feet to the water, and 
it appeared that he lost his balance, and fell head foremost to the bottom, ter- 
minating his life in the 67th year of his age. 

.MESSENGER, EBENEZER ORANGE;— Son of the above, was one of 
the four young men, who in March, 1811, came to prepare homes for their pa- 
rents, who soon after followed them to these wilds. He was a very ingenious 
man in manufacturing almost any article he put his hand to. Upon the subject 
of religion he was active and zealous, and labored to promote its interests. 
Hard working and industrious, he failed to carry out his plans of worldly pros- 
perity from a want of stability of purpose, and in moving from place to place, 
exemplified the truth of the old maxim, "A rolling stone gathers no moss." 
After working in various places as a farmer, in the West saw-mill — as a cooper 
at the Center, in the Spring of 1839, he moved with Hiram Messenger to Dan- 
ville, Des Moines Co., Iowa, and within a few years we find him at Fairfield 
Mount Pleasant in Illinois, back to Danville, at Mineral Point and Plattville 
Wisconsin, at which latter place he died, in March 1847, at the age of 66. 

MESSENGER, MARVIN; — A younger son of Eb. N. Messenger, was a 
young man of promise, amiable and intelligent, who died in the edge of the 
woods, near the road, South of Freeman Conant's, on the 5th of April, 1822, as 
he was returning home from training at the Center. There was a light snow 
on the ground, and from the appearance of his tracks and movements it was 
thought that severe and distressing sickness for several hours caused his 
death. His calls for help were heard, but were supposed to be sugar ma- 
kers in their noisy glee. His body was found early the next morning by his 
brother William. 

MESSENGER, HIRAM, Esq.— Was a son of Col. Bille Messenger, who 
was one of the proprietors of the township, and was the first family connected 
with the purchasers that came to this place. His father, with Mr. Birrhaid, 
moved him in, and remained some months assisting Hiram in commencing his 
improvements, when he returned to the East, and did not remove here to reside 
until his old age. Hiram remained a leading member in society until the 
year 1839, when he removed with his family to Danville, Iowa; where he died 
on the 30th day of Nov. 1851, at the age of 66. He was probably the most suc- 
cessful hunter we ever had in the township, and an excellent marksman. On 
one occasion he shot three deer before breakfast, and anything within the range 
of his unerring rifle was sure to rue the day. 

M1LLIKAN, WILLIAM,— Was a native of Washington, Mass., and came 
from that place to this on the first day of March, 1820. He was a self made 
man, and although his father was addicted to intemperance, yet he rose above 
all obstacles, and became one of the most active, enterprising and respected 
men, who have figured in the later history of the township. Persevering, en- 
ergetic, plain and blunt — careful of the feelings of others, and ever watchful, 
after his profession of religion, to shun even the very appearance of evil. His 
power to command a military company, or act as marshal on a public occasion, 



59 

was seldom equalled. Highly honored hy all who knew him, he passed to the 
christian's rest on the 4th of January, 1853, aged 58 years. 

PULSIFER, STEPHEN B.— Was a native of Gilraington, New Hamp- 
shire. At an early age he left his father's family to live with a rich uncle in 
the city of Boston, and acted as clerk for him until early manhood, when he 
was set up by his uncle in the mercantile business a short time before the war 
of 1812. The dullness of trade, which the war produced, caused them to close 
the store, and he turned his course towards the far west. He arrived in this 
place — married and settled on the 20th of Nov. 1818, and continued his resi- 
dence here until the time of his death, which took place on the 25th of January 
1>854. A good business scholar, and an excellent penman, in early life he con- 
tracted a love for business, city life, and the farm, plow, axe and backwoods 
home had few charms for him. A morose and fretful disposition characterized 
him in his later years. 

ROBE, JAMES, — "Was a Pennsylvania teamster, and came from Poland, 
Mahoning Co., in the year 1817. He married a daughter of Mr. Conant, lived 
in this place a few years, when he removed to Braceville, where he died many 
years since. He was a noisy blundering man — had always a fund of anecdote 
for any company, and somewhat inclined "to carry more canvas than ballast," 
although in the main, honest and trusty, yet this tendency to show off some- 
times led him astray. 

RUDD, NATHANIEL, — Was a native of Becket, and came to this place 
with his family on the 11th of March, 1819. He was a man of the kindest dis- 
position, always ready to do his part in matters of public interest, and in pro- 
moting the interests of common schools few were more faithful, or interested 
than he. An active, consistent christian for many years, he passed to his rest 
on the 19th of December, 1844, in the 50th year of his age. 

SANFORD, MOSES, — A native of Connecticut, came to this place in Nov. 
1819, and was a peculiarly ingenious man, supplying the wants of the early 
settlers with chairs, plows, baskets, <fcc, and occasionally laying brick. He 
was inclined to strong drink, and when under its influence, often cross and ty- 
rannical. After remaining here a number of years, he returned to the western 
part of New York, to live with his children, and died in the year 1841. His 
wife — formerly Mrs. Streator, still resides with us, and on this interesting oc- 
casion is present, the oldest inhabitant of the township, and in the ninety-eighth 
year of her age. 

SEELY, JOHN,— A native of Boston, Mass. His father held an office in 
the custom house under the crown, and came from Tinmouth in the west of 
England, settling in Boston until the evacuation at the commencement of the 
Revolutionary War, when he removed to Halifax, "because he would neither 
fight for king or country," leaving John apprenticed to Tom Stephens, of Truro, 
at the age of 16. Though small in stature, he, for his activity, was permitted soon 
after to enlist in the army under Capt. Pope, and having served as cabin boy 
and sailor on several whaling voyages, he acted for a time as cook, and made 
himself useful in camp as a jack at all trades, wherever his services seemed most 
needed. He faithfully labored in the service of his country for seven years 
and six months, a considerable part of the time in the division commanded by 



60 

Gen. Washington in person. He was at the battle of Trenton, December 25th, 
1776 — at Valley Forge during that severe and starving winter encampment of 
'77-8, and his eyes would glisten with tears as he recounted the words of com- 
fort and acts of kindness of " His Excellency." At Saratoga, with a small 
party of active comrads, he made a descent upon a pasture where a troop of 
cavalry horses were feeding, and although discovered by the British the mo- 
ment they emerged from the adjoining woods, yet they all but two succeeded in 
securing a prize, and they were enabled by jumping on behind their more for- 
tunate comrades, and running their horses at the top of their speed, to reach their 
own camp in safety. The value of these prizes was distributed among them, 
probably in continental money, and fifty dollars of that article failed, on one 
occasion at least, to buy for Mr. Seely a breakfast. He settled in Truro, Mass., 
1786 — moved to Becket in 1790 — was one of the proprietors of this township, 
and on the 19th of October, 1815, removed to this place. His opportunities for 
learning were very limited, yet a good memory and great advantages for obser- 
vation, enabled him to collect a large fund of interesting facts, and his pleasant 
good humor in relating them, rendered him a most agreeable companion for old 
and young. He died with an active christian's hope of a home on high, on the 
30th of July, 1838, aged 80. 

SEELY, EPHRAIM H.— Second son of the above, came to this place du- 
ring the winter of 1813, a foot and alone, and commenced preparing a home for 
his parents. He was an upright, amiable, and industrious man, and beloved 
by all who knew him. He experienced religion at the time of the revival in 
1821, and from that time on seemed to be ripening rapidly for heaven, where he 
was called on the 25th of August 1823. His sickness awakened the sympathies 
of the whole community, and friendly watchers, day and night, crowded his 
bedside to nurse and care for him. Two of his children were carried to one 
grave a few days before him. 

SNOW, ERASTUS,— Was a native of Ashford, Conn., and moved with his 
parents in early life to Becket. Soon after he became of age, he went to Pres- 
ton, Chenango Co., N. Y. — married a Miss Willoughby, and lived there happi- 
ly until the year 1810, when he was taken with derangement in its worst form, 
and brought back to his father's house, where he continued a raving maniac 
during almost an entire, year. His reason again returned, and in Nov. 1813, 
in company with Nathan Snow, Stillman Scott, and H. Crane, he came to this 
place on foot, and made preparation for a home for his parents, who followed 
him the next summer. He was a very lively, social and excitable man, and 
very fond of a playful frolic wherever he could lead off some trick, or comical 
joke among th? crowd, who were generally around him at raisings and other 
public days. On his way out he generally danced a jig before commencing his 
day's journey, to limber up his joints and raise a laugh at the tavern. Mindful 
of the higher duties he owed to his Maker, he, for many years, led a consistent 
christian life. In the year 1850, sickness and insanity again came on, and ter- 
minated his life on the 23d of February, at the age of 67. 

SNOW, JAMES,— Father of Erastus, was a native of Ashford, Windham 
Co., Conn. — removed from that place to Becket and on the 22d of July, 1814, 
came into this place to reside. He was a very kind, affectionate man, and 



61 

neighboring children, now in their manhood, delight to recall the pleasure they 
felt, as with staff in hand, they saw Grand Pa Snow coming to visit at their 
house. His health, for many years, was feeble; yet, as far as able, industrious 
and handy with tools, he managed to make many barrels, pails and tubs for the 
supply of the wants of the new settlement, of excellent quality, although not 
a thorough tradesman. He died with a christian hope, in a good old age, on 
the 11th of February, 1829, in the 80th year of his age. 

SOUTHWORTH, JOSEPH,— A native of Southampton, Mass., came into 
this township with Hiram Messenger, and was a hard working wood-chopper 
during the first years of this settlement. For many years he lived a life of 
single blessedness, but at last fell under matri i onial influence, and settled in 
this township for some fifteen years, when he removed to Hiram Rapids, and 
after a few years we find him at Charlestown — at Brimfield, Summit county, 
and then in Michigan, in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, where he died. 

STREATOR, ALPHEUS — Was born in Becket, April 22d, 1765, and was 
one of the proprietors of the township, to whom, with two others, the original 
deed from Gov. Strong was given. He came into this place on the 5th of July,1811. 
Roguish and playful in youth, he never entirely lost this trait of character. His 
reproofs were often administered in such a comic way that they were sure 
never to be forgotten. He whipped his shovel when brought back by a tardy 
neighbor some days after its promised return, exclaiming, "when you go away 
for a day don't stay a week." At another time his house took fire in the night, 
and the floor rapidly burning, put his wife in a flurry of excitement, while he 
deliberately sat down, pulled on his stockings, and boots and after a time 
said, "Wife, had we better get the water out of the spring, or out of the 
brook?" Three mammoth oaks on his farm were cut by the shrewd device of 
sprinkling on the snow under them some dead bees, and hinting that he saw 
some as he passed by the trees. He was far-seeing in his views, and rather than 
have their road tax expended on the single road first laid out by the state 
through the township, was the first to petition the locating of the other roads, 
so that their labor could be laid out where it would most benefit the new set- 
tlement. He was ever active in the cause of education, and the first school 
taught in the township, was by the voluntary instruction of his daughter, at 
his house. The first public religious services were also held there. When any 
question arose he was more likely to join sides with the weaker party, and be- 
came somewhat unpopular with the ruling class, on that account. This feeling 
however, he was sometimes able to control to his own advantage, and it is said, 
on one occasion, he presented and advocated a motion directly opposite to what 
he wanted carried, and agreeable to the known wishes of the majority, and, 
strange to say, the suspicions awakened were so strong, that, to oppose him, 
they actually voted against their own sentiments, and thus were caught in his 
trap. Shrewd, cunning and deliberate, he watched over the interests of this 
place with a careful eye, and, if any mistakes occurred in township business, 
was sure to be the first to discover and correct. He filled a place in its history 
that no one else could have supplied. He was kind and obliging as a neighbor, 
upright and honest as a citizen; but sometimes partook rather largely of strong 
drink, and then was not always a pleasant companion. He was for many years 



62 

a TJniversalist in sentiment, but towards the close of life he joined the Disciples' 
church, and faithfully studied his bible. He died June 29th, 1829. 

STREATOR, JASON,— Was a native of Poultney, Vt., of an active poetic- 
al turn of mind, and before the age of ten many witty rhymes and verses were 
the product of his pen, few of which have reached our day. The following, 
written at this early age, was found in a conspicuous place, after his father had 
chided him for writing his fun on the Sabbath: 

First we begin with A. B C. 

To learn the way of God's decree, 

And then we turn to a-li ab, 

And hope we ne*er shall be so bad; 

And next we turn our eves to baker, 

To iearn to praise our great Creator; 

And then we turn in our abasement. 

To learn to read our Lord's commandment. 

And if we'll lie good and true, 

All these lessons God will shew. 

About the age of fifteen, a long poem appeared, which is probably lost, in 

regard to Hull and the invasion of Canada. One verse still preserved, reads, 

(General Hull, with his thick skull, 
Thought to invade the nation, 
But Gen'ral Brock hit him a knock, 
And spoiled his calculation. 

The song entitled, "When this Old Hat was New," and many others from 
Lis pen, in Harrison times, gave his name publicity, and he was elected Repre- 
sentative to the State Legislature from this district, and discharged its duties 
ably and satisfactorily to his constituents. He came to this place and settled 
in July, 1819— removed to Shalersville about the year 1838, and from that place 
went to Cleveland, and kept a grocery for a few years. Having, in Shalersville, 
been led to leave in a measure the religious instructions and principles of his 
youth, and embrace the sentiments of the Spiritualists, the temptations of the 
city were too strong for him. He became dissipated, — made shipwreck of his 
brilliant talents, and soon was carried to his grave, departing this life, Septem- 
ber 26th, 1856, aged 59. 

SWIFT, JIREH, — Came from the state of Vermont on the first of Februa- 
ry, 1823. He was a joiner by trade, and an honest workman, as many of the 
old houses in this township to this day bear abundant witness. He died in the 
fall of the year, 1827. 

TREAT, REV. JOSEPH,— First Pastor of the Congregational Church in 
this place, was born at New Milford, Conn., December 10th, 1783. At the age 
of twenty he experienced religion, and turned his attention towards the minis- 
try, commencing the study of Latin the day he became of age. at Cornwall. 
Ct. He entered the freshmen class in Yale College, Sept. 9th, 1806, and grad- 
uated Sept. 12th, 1810. He commenced the study of theology on the 21st of 
the same month, with the Rev. E. Porter, of Washington, Ct., and was licensed 
to preach at the same place on the 15th of October, 1811. Ordained as an 
Evangelist at Woodbury, May 25th, 1814, he, after spending some time as a 
missionary in the northern part of Pennsylvania, left his native state in June, 
1816, as a missionary to Ohio. On the 7th of the next January he vssited this 
place for the first time, and on the 16th of June the church in this place present- 
ed to him a call, which was accepted, and, by the action of the Grand River 
Presbytery, he was installed their Pastor on the 24th of Sept., 1817. Mr. 



63 

Treat continued in that relation for about ten years, -when, on the 4th of Oct. 
1827, by the action of the Presbytery of Portage, he was dismissed from his 
charge. While pastor of this church, he labored one-half of his time as a 
missionary among the destitute of this vicinity, and continued actively em- 
ployed in his Master's service until a few days before his death, which took 
place on the 9th of May, 1831. To Mr. Treat, in a great degree, are we indebt- 
ed for the facts connected with the early history of this township, that have 
been handed down in his journal to us of another generation. He was very 
active as a pastor in visiting families, instructing children in the catechism, and 
founding and supporting the Sabbath School in this place. Very energetic, he 
was enabled to accomplish much, and we may well cherish his memory as one 
who labored for our good. One daughter of Mr. Treat is the wife of a minis- 
ter on the Reserve, and the other two are now laboring under the care of the 
A. M. Association in the Island of Jamaica, West Indias. 

TAYLOR, EZRA;— Came from the State of N . Y., to this place in the Spring 
of 1816, and with Mr. Hobart, his father in-law, made some improvement on his 
place, and built a small cabin; returning in the Fall of the same year after his 
family to N. Y. : and with them settled in this township, on the 8th of March, 
1817. In May, 1819, he removed to Nelson, and remained there about a year. 

From that place he removed to Hiram in this County, and after about a year's 
residence in that place, died. 

WADSWORTH, NENOPHON;— Was a native of Becket, and came to this 
place, in the Winter of 1817, cleared some land, sowed some wheat, and pre- 
pared a place for a home. He then returned to the East, selected his partner for 
life, and on the 10th of March, 1819, settled in his new cabin home. Like several 
of the first inhabitants of this i lace he, with his inventive mind, was able with 
few tools, to manufacture shoes, barrels, tubs and such-like necessary articles, 
during the inteivals of necessary farm labor. He joined the Congregational 
Church, and remained in that connection for several years, when, for some lit- 
tle differences in doctrinal points, he was excommunicated, and his sympathies 
were somewhat blunted towards many by that action, yet as a kind neighbor, 
and a good inhabitant, lie remained respected by all until the time of his death 
which took place on the 2d of March, 1837, in the 45th year of his age. 

WROTH, BENJAMIN;— Came to this place about the year 1817, and in the 
year 1820, settled in the township. Here he remained until the year 1822, 
when he removed to New London, Lorain Co., and after several years resi- 
dence in that place, again left a home, and settled in Iowa. He was a daring 
headlong sort of a man, and this trait of character is well illustrated by an in- 
cident in his life, that took place at the great ring hunt in Freedom, in 1818, 
when a wounded bear broke through the ranks, and as it passed him, he grabbed 
him by the ears, and long hair of the neck, and jumped on to his back, riding 
off through bush and brake at a furious rate, while shot after shot was fired in- 
to the sides of the flying varmint, and before reaching a great distance the beast 
pitched over on his nose, and Wroth unharmed, joined his companions. He 
died in Iowa, about two or three years ago. 

YALE, BENJAMIN;— Was born in Sharon, Conn., on the 30th of July, 
1779, at which place he learned the carpenter's trade, and in the year 1801, came 



64 

with his forty pound pack of tools and clothes, to Can field, Mahoning Co., in this 
State. He went with the first company that took salt through from Cleveland 
to Canfield, aDd shared the trials and hardships of the route. In the year 1808, 
Mr. Yale went to Newton Falls, and built the old grist mill at the upper dam, 
and remained there until the year 1813, when he moved to Price's Mill with 
his family, and in company with Jacob Earl put up the first frame house in 
this place, a saw-mill, West and South of the Center. In the spring of 1815, 
he removed his family to this place, where they remained until the Fall of the 
same year, when they moved to Newton Falls. In the month of December, 
1817, he again removed to this township, and continued to reside until the time 
of his death on the 4th of October, 1855. He was a large and a remarkably 
strong athletic man, and performed a large amount of work in this and adjoin- 
ing towns. He was a natural mechanic, a good workman, and a kind, accom- 
modating neighbor. He treed the bear, mentioned in Mr. Lyman's Sketch, by 
a sharp foot race accompanied with a powerful voice, and active swinging of 
his overcoat. While on a trip from Newton Falls to Palmyra, he found a full- 
grown bear in a wheat field, and hunting up a club, he made an attack upon hira 
in the fence corner, and as Bruin stood up on his haunches, he broke his club 
over the creature's head, and had to make a hasty retreat, the bear's claws ra- 
kinf his buckskin pants as he came upon all fours again. He then selected an 
oak sapling that was sound and tough, and on his second attack killed the mon- 
ster outright. He chased down a very fat wild turkey, and caught him in the 
brushwood of a fallen treetop; caught a deer as it swam the mill-pond, in its 
efforts to escape from dogs, and after he had driven off the dogs, his sympathies 
for the poor fugitive, that fled to him for protection, compelled him to let hira 
go; and at another time he drove a wolf from the body of a deer that had just 
fallen a prey to his ravenous jaws, and secured it yet bleeding and warm, to 
furnish many a meal for him, and his neighbor's tables, with whom he liberally 
shared this prize that fell within speaking distance of his back door, on a pleas- 
ant Sabbath morning, in June, 1818. 

Rev. L. B. Wilson, not being present when called to respond to the 
Sentiment, " Our Babies, <&c," was called up near the close of 
the exercises, and spoke a few minutes in response to that sentiment; 
but declines furnishing them for publication. 

After Mr. Wilson's remarks, Rev. Wm. F. Millikan moved that we 
now adjourn to meet again fifty years from to-day. In connection 
with this motion, Mr. Millikan said; 

Had there been time, I should have been pleased to have made more extended 
remarks. As it is, I will occupy your attention but for a few moments. 

I have just visited the spot where these fathers of whom we have been hear- 
ing, and whose memory we venerate, were born and trained. I stopped very 
near where my father was born and brought up, and just opposite where Esq- 
Dillingham Clark lived. I visited the ground where my mother spent her 
youthful days. I trod upon the ground — the almost sacred soil — on which these 



65 

fathers and mothers trod, who have now laid the foundation of all the prosperi- 
ty which we have witnessed, and which we behold to-day. 

I have heard those who are dead and gone, tell of their boyish sports in trout 
fishing. In the same streams have I caught trout, and a few days since ate my 
breakfast of Berkshire trout. 

I visited three of the grave-yards in which our forefathers were buried, and 
on a former visit, planted an evergreen tree on the grave of my Great grand- 
father* 

Yes ! they are gone ! But nevertheless they still live. Their influence fo r 
good is still felt, and long will be. They live in what we have seen, and to-day 
see of civil, social, literary and religious prosperity here, 

They trained the men and Avomen who have made Windham what it is. 

Berkshire Co., Mass., is rough, hilly and stony, and to me many parts of it 
seem poor and worth but little per acre. To live and thrive there, it was nec- 
essary that the people should be industrious, prudent and economical. Such 
habits they formed, and they brought up their children thus. 

They, too. were Christian people. They feared God, reverenced the Sabbath, 
and obeyed the commands of the Lord; and their children, the fathers and 
mothers of Windham, have proved that they were worthy sons and daughters 
of such worthy sires. The industry, perseverance and economy, together with 
the moral and religious principles of the fcmnders of this township, is the secret 
of our great prosperity. Let us cherish their memories and emulate their wor- 
thy example. And fifty years from to-day, let us meet again, (as many as God 
shall spare,) and commemorate the settlement of this township, and tell our 
children of the privations and hardships, the labors, the success, the good deeds 
and virtues of those who were the pioneers. 

Should I live to see that day, this chair, which was my maternal Grand- 
Father's, (Col. Billie Messenger,) I shall exhibit on that day. And also three 
other relics which I have shown on this occasion. 

To-day we see many contrasts with the past. Col. B. Higley and other 
families were some forty days in coming on their ox sleds from Berkshire Co. 
here. But, a few days since, I took the cars at Hinsdale, Mass., and in less 
than twenty-four hours, was at the depot most accessible to my home. Indeed, 
what changes have been wrought in a half century, in this and many other re- 
spects. 

From the choir which has so pleasantly discoursed music, which was not new 
fifty years ago, we have just heard the song, ''The Red, White and Blue." 
This is quite in keeping with the martial spirit of the day — the waving Star 
Spangled Banners and the military companies from abroad, which we are glad 
to see on this occasion. 

Some twenty-five years since, we used to see a well drilled and finely uni- 
formed company of riflemen here, the pride of the town, commanded by my 
father. But I am sorry (nor am I alone in this) that we have no military 
company now to welcome and do honor to these military guests from abroad. 
This is not quite as it should be. When our country is invaded by scores of 
thousands of traitors, who would gladly subvert our liberties if they could, the 
sons of Windham should not be behind their patriotic neighbors and country- 



66 

men. But I believe some steps have been taken in this direction, and I could 
wish that Colonels Birchard and Williams, who are on my right and left, would 
lend their inflence and support, and go into the ranks and show the boys how 
to do it. I have enlisted as a soldier, to go forth, if necessary and defend the 
Constitution and maintain our laws. Nor am I the only minister that has done 
so. 

This day has been busy with the rae.i ories of the past. I well remember 
those school boy days and sports spoken of. I also have not forgotten the first 
of my attendance at Windham Academy. I was a small boy. It was in the 
upper room. The poet of to-day was my teacher. And in the lower room 
was his associate, now one of the most able of the ministers of the gospel that 
this town has sent forth — Rev. II. W. Palmer. This institution, of which my 
revered father-in-law, Rev. Joseph Treat, my departed father, and the President 
of the day were among the founders and first Trustees, and who were the hon- 
ored and laborious building committee, has accomplished much good. Your 
labors, Mr. President, and those of your co-workers were not in vain. This 
institution has done much to make this town what it is. Do not let it go down. 
A few years subsequently, I had the honor, for two seasons, of taking charge 
of this institution, where I was once one of the youngest pupils. And of my 
pupils then, two have gone forth from us as foreign missionaries. 

But I should forfeit all reputation for good sense, should I protract my re- 
marks at this hour. I hope the motion to adjourn to meet here again fifty years 
hence, in a similar social reunion, and mingle our hearts in prayer, thanksgiv- 
ing and praise, for God's goodness, will prevail. 

Till we thus meet again, (if we should so be permitted,) let us, the sons and 
daughters of Windham, bid each other adieu. 

A second meeting was held on Tuesday evening following the 
Celebration, to finish the "Programme," which was too long for one 
day. 

The exercises of the evening were introduced witli prayer by Rev. 
Joseph H. Scott. 

Singing by the Old Folks. 

Mr. Jagger read his Biographical Sketches, which he had not time 

to complete on the first day. When he had read the sketch of Mr. 

Npthan Burchard, a choir of select singers sung the following song: 

"THE OLD FARMER'S ELEGY." 

''On a green grassy knoll, by the banks of a brook, 

That so long and so often has watered his flock, 

The old farmer rests in his long and last sleep, 

While the waters a low lapsing lullaby keep; 

He has plowed his last furrow, has reaped his last grain, 

No morn shall awaken him to labor again. 

Yon tree that, with fragrance is filling the air, 

So rich with its blossoms, so thrifty and fair, 

By Ins own hand was planted, and well did he say, 

It would live when its planter had mouldered away. 



67 

There's the well that he dug, with its waters so cold, 
With its wet dripping bucket, so mossy and old; 
No more from its depths by the patriarch drawn, 
For the pitcher is broken — the old man is gone. 

'Twas a gloom giving day when the old farmer died; 
The stout hearted mourned, the affectionate cried; 
And the prayers of the just for his rest did ascend, 
For they all lost a Brother, a Man, and a Friend. 

For upright and honest the old farmer was; 

His God he revered, he respected the laws; 

Though tameless he lived, he has gone where his worth 

Will outshine, like pure gold, all the dross of this earth; 

He has plowed his last furrow, has reaped his last grain, 

No morn shall awake him to labor again." 

Mr. Jagger then finished the reading of his Sketches. Mr. Clark 
repeated his Poem, by request. The "Pioneer Song," by the Becket 

Choir, was also repeated; as was also the "Judgment Anthem," by 
the Old Folks. 

Judge Birchard gave some interesting reminiscences of the past. 
He spoke particularly of the interest the early settlers manifested in 
each other's welfare. They looked not every man upon his own 
things; but every man also upon the things of others. When one 
was going to the mill, he would carefully inquire, who of his neigh- 
bors wished to send? And, in times of sickness, they were kindly 
attentive to each other's wants. The general interests of the com- 
munity engaged the attention of all. Even those who made no pro- 
fession of religion, were active and earnest in their efforts to promote 
its Institutions. As an illustration of this statement, the Judge men- 
tioned particularly Mr. Alpheus Streator, who opened his house for 
the first religious meetings that were held in the township, and in 
other ways did important service to the cause of religion in those 
early days. 

Judge B. also exhibited various relics of the early days of this 
townsrhip, accompanied by a statement of interesting incidents con- 
nected with them. 

Squire Streator, and Col. Higley gave us some hunting stories. 
Messrs. J. H. Scott, and L. B. Wilson, also made brief remarks. 

Rev. Benj. Fenn, who had been invited to be present, but beino- 
prevented by an attack of ague, sent in the following contribution: 
THE PIONEERS OF FIFTY YEARS AGO. 

When fifty of our years arc counted back, 

We find ourselves, far East, upon the track 

Of earnest men, with daughters, wives and sons 

With household goods and tools, and some with guns, 



68 

They leave parental homes and youthful scenes, 
And with their wagons snug, and hard earned means 
And hearts as brave as beat in human breast, 
Are journeying onward to the distant West. 
Well, on they went with journey long and slow, 
And here they came just fifty years ago. 

No iron horse or smoking train 

Then passed along the new made plain, 

And so their journey must be slow, 

Because 'twas fifty years ago. 

These pleasant fields, these cultivated plains. 
These comely dwellings, farms, where order reigns, 
These gardens neat with economic taste. 
Showing how Yankees dread all needless waste; 
These well wrought roads, so often lined with trees, 
Presenting prospects which will always please; 
Of these did none exist. All Windham stood, 
With small exceptions, one extended wood, 
The forest of accumulated years, 
The home of turkeys, Indians, snakes and deers. 
We need not wonder at its being so, 
For that was all of fifty years ago. 

We do not stop to ask why fields were cleared, 
And orchards planted, and good buildings reared; 
All this had oft been done before. But here 
Some other, some delightful charms appear. 
A sweet refinement shows its chaste impress, 
So unobtrusive, yet so rich to bless. 
Behold what order, neatness, taste we find 
Pervading home and farm and cheerful mind, 
Adorning husband, daughters, sons and wife, 
With lovely virtues of the christian life. 
The causes of all, who would not ask'? — 
To give them is an easy, pleasant task. 

When Becket parted with our Pioneers, 

It was with prayers, and with affections tears; 

And when they came to this young, rising state, 

Which now in fifty years has grown so great, 

They brought Religion with them. Blessed name ! 

Above all classic, and all worldly fame! 

Religion ! — Beautiful with truth divine, 

And by its beauty would our hearts incline 

To what is pure and lovely, good and wise, 

Preparing us for beauty in the skies. 

They brought the bible with them, and the day 

When christians meet to adore and praise and pray, — 

The Holy Sabbath, — and their christian songs 

To honor him to whom all praise belongs. 

A christian church they came, a christian band, 

Formed they before they left New England's land. 

Here then a christian settlement was made, 

With christian principles that never fade. 

A temple to the Lord they reared 

To worship him they loved and feared. 
Such high regard did they unfaultering show 
To God our Maker fifty years ago. 
To Jesus Christ they gave affection's glow; 
We love the men of fifty years ago. 

Bfnjamin Fknn. 



69 

LETTER OF JOHN S. HUNTER, Esq. 

Oberlin, June 27. 

Brother Higley : — This being the day of your Semi- Centennial Anniver- 
sary, I cannot easily (feeble though I am) refrain from expressing my sympa- 
thies on the occasion . 

If I were there, and were called out, I should have no written speech to make, 
but the inspirations of the day — the surroundings of friends and scenery, would 
awaken recollections, associations, and contrasts, which might call forth ex- 
pressions in words. 

The train of thoughts which now lie before my mind concerning myself and 
my friends at Windham, who have lived there — who now live there — and those 
who may succeed, (whatever the occasion might inspire,) are like the following. 

When I came into Windham fifty years ago, in company with Col. Higley, 
and others, I had no purpose but to make it my home for life. Owning apiece 
of land sufficient for a small farm, I brought my little all with me — my busi- 
ness in New England was all settled up — in Windham, I and my best friends, 
and my kindred, were to dwell. 

It is marvellous how small an incident may change the whole business and 
course of a man's life. When I got foot on my land in Windham, the points 
of compass were all wrong — the sun rose N. W., and set S. E. I said little 
about, it, but approached it in various directions to bring the points right, but 
somehow as by magic, when near the S. W. corner, the same condition occur- 
red. I can remember no other place in Windham where the same condition 
occurred. The thought of looking to the N. W. for the rising sun, a lifetime, 
was no pleasing idea. I don't remember that the thought of exchanging land 
with some one ever came to my mind. 

In the little colony that bought and settled Windham, were the elements of 
first rate society, well developed — it seemed inbred and happily called forth. 
They began right — laid their plans judiciously, and carried them out faithfully ; 
— they remembered the injunction, " In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and 
He shall direct thy paths," and went to work accordingly. They formed 
themselves regularly into a Church of Christ, before they moved toward the 
wilderness of Ohio — they were interested for each other as brethren. I speak 
now of general characteristics which gave character as a colony. On their way 
hither, and after they arrived, they in their families and in public, acknow- 
ledged God their preserver, with thanksgiving. On the Sabbath they assem- 
bled for worship, and made the then wilderness vocal with prayer and |>i < 
To this day, I seem to hear those prayers and songs, as they went forth from 
log house windows, and echoed from adjacent forests. 

It soon became noised about that No. 4 in 6th Range (I think that was its 
designation) was being settled by a peculiar people — and while infidels sneered 
at them as fanatics, all pious and moral people loved, respected and venerated 
them. Herein was verified the declaration, " Him that honoreth me, I will 
honor." 

In reference to home business, each man went to work with his own hands, 
as God gave him strength and ability. They built their houses for convenience 
and comfort, cleared off the forests, fenced and sowed well shaped fields, plant- 
ed fruits in due order and time — none were independently rich, none were 
dependently poor— every man paid his honest debts. Public interests were 
not neglected. Roads were laid out in a regular way on the lines of lots, work- 
ed in due time and in a skillful manner, to my personal knowledge. Wind- 
ham has been noted for a quarter of a century as a model town for good roads. 
Education received prompt attention. Schools of common and higher 
grades were successfully organized, and conducted with skill and energy, so 
that the vonth received a good common school education, and many a man in 
our landVill say, at Windham I was taught not only the higher branches of 
English education, but classic literature, in a manner which evinced their 
Academy a thoroughly taught institution — so that the men and women, and 
the rising generation will rank with the first class of townships on the Reserve 
for learning and intelligence. 

The Colony were a law abiding people. Whatever were the laws, and how- 



70 

ever needful they might he for other places, the people have needed not Justi- 
ces, and Courts, and Sheriffs, to compel them to perform the civil duties of so- 
ciety. Morality and Religion were the foundations on which the early colo- 
nists expected to build their present and future structure of society. It is very 
gratifying to call to remembrance, that when grounds were to be fitted for an 
academy and meeting house, the buildings to be erected, a high school organ- 
ised, a minister settled, ordinances observed, a Sabbath School organized, — I 
say it is gratifying to notice with what alacrity, energy, and unflinching in- 
tegrity all those were brought into being — and the Windham which now is, is 
the happy result of all these untiring efforts which I have so briefly sketched, 
— of the wisdom, industry, and self-sacrifice of the fathers who began the 
Windham which then was — No. 4 in the 6th Range — a wild and uncultivated 
wilderness. 

The present and future generation may well remember items of the past like 
these, and rejoice in the goodness of God which has brought to them this bless- 
ed inheritance. Strikingly true it is, that not only the iniquities, but the mis- 
takes and neglects of the fathers are visited upon the children for generations 
— and it is equally true that the piety and the wisdom, and the forecast, and 
the energy, and the skill of the parents, are blessings inherited by the children 
to untold generations. 

We sometimes get a clearer and deeper sense of the good we enjoy, by con- 
trast, than by any other means. I said at the beginning, that m the early 
colony of Windham, there was a large development of a good element for soci- 
ety — in most places there is something of this kind ; and in all places there is 
something of a bad element, which, when expanded, becomes a source of troub- 
le, and sometimes ruin. 

The exercises of the evening were closed by singing the following song, pre- 
pared for the occasion by E. F. Clark, to the tune of "Anld Lang Syne:" 
Should aidd acquaintance be forgot, 

And never brought to mind? 
Should anld acquaintance be forgot, 
And days of Anld Lang Syne? 
Chorus — For days of Auld Lang Syne, dear friends, 
For days of Auld Lang Syne, 
We'll have sweet thoughts of kindred yet, 
For days of Auld Lang Syne. 
Our fathers here these dwellings reared, 

In social state combined, 
These swelling fields, their labors cleared, 
Since days of Auld Lang Syne. 

How sweet for friends to gather home, 

Where once they've happy been ; 
Though paler now life's lamp may burn, 

And years have rolled between . 
And since those eyes beam welcome yet, 

That smiled in gladness then, 
Now, in the smiles of friends thus met. 

Whole years are lived again. 
The sturdy men of yore have gone, 

And brothers in their prime ; 
The loved and good have disappeared, 

Since days of Auld Lang Syne. 
Our greeting smiles to sadness turn, 

As drops the parting tear, 
But mem'ry long shall sacred keep 

Our glorious gathering here. 
We part asjain to distant scenes, 

And leave this hallowed shrine ; 
But oft we'll think, with grateful praise, 

Of days of Auld Lang Syne. 



vumm. 



PREACHED BY THE TASTOR, REV. J. SHAW, 

On the Fiftieth Anniversary of the 1st Congregational Church of Windham, Ohio. 



I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever; nothing can be put to it, nor anything 
taken from it; and God doeth it, that men should fear before I lim That which hath been is 
now, and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. — Ecc. 
3: 14, 13. 

That beautiful Comet, which has interested us so much of late, is not a new 
thing in the world. At intervals of nearly three hundred years, it has been 
seen and admired many times before. Such is the known uniformity of nature, 
that we expect what has been to occur again; and- we have no doubt that what 
is now, has already been. Nor is this conviction confined to the sphere of 
matter ? In regard to mind and morals, we as confidently expect like causes 
to produce like effects. We are not taken by surprise by any new and unex- 
pected developments resulting from old causes. In this respect, also, we are 
contemplating what has already been, and what will continue to be. God has 
so established, and we cannot alter it by either adding to it, or by taking from 
it. Hence, we should fear before Him, for it is not a matter of uncertainty 
what will befall us, if we pursue certain courses. We know it as certainly as 
if it had already transpired; for what is to be, hath already been. As under 
the laws and conditions which God hath appointed to both matter and mind, 
He calleth into being the events of to-day, He is only requiring that which is 
past. Were it not thus, we could have no knowledge, but of facts. We never 
could arrive at any principles, and wisdom would be impossible. But now> 
from the past, we know what to expect in the future, and we can shape our 
course accordingly. We can be wise for the future, if we will only consent to 
be taught by the experience of the past. It has been well said, that " History 
is philosophy teaching by facts." Hence arises the duty, and the privilege, of 
studying history. Hence, too, the propriety, that, as we have been reviewing 
the history of this Township, we should also review the history of this Church. 
To this duty we are called to-day. God requires that we should profit by the 
experience of the last fifty years. 

Excepting the family, the Church is the most important organization into 
which man enters in this world. It seeks the highest good of all its members* 
and undertakes more important labors for the world than any other organiza- 
tion. The history of such an organization should, therefore, have more of in- 
terest and profit in it, than the history of any organization which does not seek 
as important results. 

A full history of this Church would comprehend the history of all the indi- 
viduals who have belonged to its membership. The springs of social influence 
are to be found in private life. The influences, which have made this Church 



72 

what it lias been, so far as its members are concerned, have been those which 
have flowed from the daily, private characters of its members. It is also true? 
that the best results of the associated influence of this Church has appeared in 
the individual life of those who have composed it. There can therefore be no 
perfect history written by man, because those events, which appear on the sur- 
face of society, are the product of influences which have done their work in 
the privacy of individual bosoms. Of these influences, no one, except the All- 
Seeing Eye, and the individual himself, knows anything, except so far as they 
are partially developed in outward acts. The largest part of human history 
must therefore ever remain unwritten by man. 

Our attention to-day must therefore be confined to those things which have 
worked up to the surface, through influences connected with this Church or- 
ganization. 

When the first settlers of this township had completed their arrangements to 
remove to this place, those of .them who were members of the Congregational 
Church of Becket, proposed to their Pastor, that they be organized into a 
Church, preparatory to the work which they designed to commence here, as 
soon as they commenced the improvement of their farms. They meant to be 
christians here, and to give their christian work the first place in their regards. 

In accordance with their request, Elijah Alford, Olive Alford, Ruth Alford, 
Thatcher Conant, Elizabeth Conant, Susannah Conant, Jeremiah Lyman, Rho- 
da Lyman, Benjamin Higley, Sally Higley and Anna Streator, were dismissed 
from the Church in Becket, and by the advice and assistance of Rev. Wm, Gay 
BaUantine, of Washington, Rev. Alvan Hyde, of Lee, and Rev. Jonathan Nash, 
of Middlefield, were, by their Pastor, Rev. Joseph L. Mills, organized into a 
Church, on the 2d day of May, 1811. The creed of this Church was Calvinis- 
tic, and its ecclesiastical polity Congregational. 

But on the 26th of September, 1812, the Church adopted the Presbyterian 
form of government, and chose Dea. Elijah Alford, Thatcher Conant and Jere- 
miah Lyman, Elders, who were ordained on the next day by Rev. N. P. Dar- 
row. This arrangement continued till November 16, 1816, when the Church 
returned to the Congregational form of government, but continued its connec- 
tion with Presbytery, till Sept. 20, 1855, when it withdrew, and now standr 
independent. At the time of the change back to the Congregational form, it 
was resolved to have a Standing Committee, instead of Elders. 

Those who have held, or now hold the office of Deacon, are Elijah Alford, 
Robert Earle, Isaac Clark, David B. Kingsbury, and Sheldon Palmer. 

Those who have served the Church on the Standing Committee, besides the 
Deacons, are Jeremiah Lyman, Daniel Jagger, Jacob Earle, Thatcher Conant, 
E. L. Williams, Stillman Scott, Wm. Millikan, G. L. Mills, E. F. Clark, Mil- 
ton J. Snow, Eber Earle, Samuel Wales, Jr., Newell White, Loren Higley? 
Benj. Higley, Warren W. Hinman, Elmer D. Wadsworth, Linus Scott, C. G. 
Frary, Nathaniel Wales, Jno. A. Wadsworth, Robert M. Higley, Jno. L. Hig- 
ley, Samuel Wales, Sen., E. F. Jagger, Alvan Smith, Alanson Jagger, Harvey 
Brigham. 

On the 20th day of May, 1811, this Church, now known as the First Congre- 



73 

gational Church of Windham, met in the Congregational meeting house of 
Becket. Rev. Mr. Mills was invited to act as Moderator. Thatcher Conant 
•was appointed Clerk of the Church, and Elijah Alford was appointed and or. 
dained Deacon. Mr. Alford was also chosen to act as the standing Moderator 
of the Church. 

Some time in the month of June, 1811, eight families started for this place, 
the last of whom arrived here and became settled in their new homes during 
the last week in July of the same year. On the Sabbath following, the 28th, 
just fifty years ago to-day, they met, forty-two in number, for tbe public wor- 
ship of God, at the house of Alpheiis Streator. This was a memorable day in 
the lives of that little band of christians. They thought gratefully of the mer- 
cies that had attended them on their journey. Their sympathies were moved 
towards that lonely brother, Jeremiah Lyman, who had buried his wife on the 
way, near Utica, N. Y. They thought of the privileges they had left, and of 
the few that remained. They felt that God was as near them here as He had 
ever been, and He seemed more precioxis to them than before, because their 
circumstances of weakness and want compelled them to make more of His 
gracious help than they had been accustomed to do. It was interesting to think 
that they were worshipping God where He had never been publicly worship- 
ped before, and where they hoped He would continue to be worshipped till 
time should end. Thus far, this expectation has been realized. On every 
Sabbath since, God has been publicly worshipped in this township, except one, 
at the time of Hull's surrender, when all that could bear arms were called away. 
But it cannot be said now, as it could of that first Sabbath, that all the people 
of the township meet for the worship of God. 

This Church entered upon its appropriate work fifty years ago to-day. That 
work was before their minds at the time of their organization ; and in their 
covenant with God and one another, they solemnly promise to perform it. 
They say, "We engage to support, as far as ability may be given, all the or- 
dinances of the Gospel. Viewing with solemnity the dreadful evil of sin, and 
the infinite importance of the religion of the Son of God, we covenant earnest- 
ly to seek the advancement of the Redeemer's cause : 1st, In our own hearts ; 
2d, In our families ; and 3d, In the universal prevalence of true religion." 
Here is presented the true aim of a Christian Church. How faithful they have 
been to their covenant engagements, the sequel will show. 

Of the original eleven members of the Church, only one, Col. Benj. Higley, 
is now a member; and only two others are in the land of the living. 

During the first year, religious meetings were held at the house of Mr. Al- 
pheus Streator. In the Winter of 12 and 13 a log school house was erected, 
which was afterwards called the " North school house." In this school house 
public worship was held for nearly a year, because it was the most convenient 
house in the township for such a purpose, and because the larger part of the 
inhabitants were in that part of the township. But in the latter part of 1813» 
those, who lived at the center, and South of the center, began to think that the 
cent r was the place where, public worship should be held. The Northern por- 
tion did not think sq. This diversity of opinion resulted, naturally enough, in 



diversity of feeling. So earnest did the two parties become, and so determined 
were they, each to accomplish' his own purpose, that, on one Sabbath, two 
meetings were held. Many a Church has been divided by just such a difficul- 
ty. But in this case, the brethren seemed to be alarmed by the thought of di- 
vision. After several meetings for consultation, the matter was compromised, 
by agreeing to hold their meetings for three years, alternately, two Sabbaths at 
tii center, at Dea. Alford's, and one at the Northschool house. It was doubt- 
less hard for brethren to yield in such circumstances; but we can see that had 
they not yielded, Windham would never have been religiously what it is to- 
day. When christians divide for such reasons, they are very conscientious, and 
think it a duty to do it; but they sacrifice their highest interests, and gain 
nothing but the satisfaction of having their own way. 

At the end of this three years compromise, the old difficulty had disappear- 
ed, and the people united in the Spring of 1817 in erecting a building of hewn 
logs, at the center, 30 by 26 feet, as a place of public worship. It was finished, 
so as to be occupied as a place of worship, on the 25th of Sebtember of the 
same year. It was occupied more than eleven years. In March, 1827, the in- 
itiatory steps were taken to erect the present house of worship. During the 
Fall ami Winter following, the timber and all the lumber were brought on to 
the ground. In the Spring of 1828, the contract for building the house was let 
to S. Saxton, of Tallmadge. The frame was raised in the month of July, and 
the house was completed some lime in the year following, at a cost of $2,469.15. 
This seems very cheap, when we consider the price of building at the present 
time. But when we look over a list of forty-five cattle that were taken as part 
pay, at an average rate of $8.50 apiece — considerable less than half their pres- 
ent value— we can see that this house cost between six and seven thousand 
dollars of our money. This was a very large sum to be raised at that time by 
the members of this congregation. An equal degree of liberality, in proportion 
to our means, would enable us now to build a house equal to the finest in the 
city of Cleveland. 

About 1840, this house was re-painted at a cost of about $125.00. 

In 1850 it was remodeled inside, and again painted, at a cost of $800.00. 

In 1860, it was painted and papered, at an expense of $337.00. 

As it now stands, there has been expended upon this house $3,734.15. The 
organ, costing $500, was on Feb, 12, '52, presented to the Church by Benjamin 
Higley, Dillingham Clark, Wanen W. Hinman, and Daniel Jagger, Esq. The 
beil cost $300. 

This Church and Society have expended for the support of those who have 
preached the Gospel among them, $16,400. For the first six years of their 
existence, they had no regular preaching, except for a few months, when Rev. 
Alvan Coe was employed. How much was paid him, I cannot learn. I have- 
put it down at $50.00. 

Prior to this time, they were visited by Missionaries, sent out by the Con- 
necticut Missionary Society. The names of those whose visits are still grate- 
fully remembered, are Rev. Nathan B. Darrow, Rev. John Seward, Rev. Har- 
vey Coe, Rev. Mr. Osgood, Rev. Alvan Coe, Rev. Simeon Woodruff, and Rev. 
Luther Humphrey, who is with us to-day, and who desires to acknowledge the 



75 

kindness he then received, and especially the kindness that he and his family 
have since received from this people, in times of sickness. Rev. Joseph Treat, 
was also among those who visited this people as a Missionary. On the 16th of 
June, 1817, he received a unanimous call from this Church and Society to be- 
come their Pastor, and preach to them every alternate Sabbath. For this ser- 
vice they promised to pay him $250 a year. On the 10th of August Mr. Treat 
preached in this place, and gave the people an affirmative answer to their call. 
On the2lst of September he preached for the first time in the new log meeting 
house, which was just completed; and on the 24th of September he was install- 
ed pastor of this Church by the Presbytery of Grand River. Mr. Treat con- 
tinued his relation to this Church and his labors with them until the second 
day of October, 1827, when he was dismissed by the Presbytery of Portage. 

From the dismission of Mr. Treat, until the year 1831, the Church was with- 
out a Pastor. But during two years of that time, they enjoyed, on every al- 
ternate Sabbath, the labors of Rev. Benjamin Fenn, then Pastor, as he is now 
a second time, in Nelson. For those two years services, Mr. Fenn received 
$500.00. 

On the 12th of July, 1831, a call was voted by this Cnurch and Society to 
Rev. Wm. Hanford, to become their Pastor, promising him $300 a year for the 
support of himself and family, so long as he might continue their Pastor. On 
the 18th of September, Mr. Hanford signified his acceptance of the, call, and 
was installed by the Presbytery of Portage, on the 11th of October following. 

Mr. Hanford continued his labors until the 2d day of September, 1840, when 
he was dismissed, by the Presbytery of Portage, in accordance with the united 
request of pastor and people. 

On the last Sabbath in October. 1840, Rev. John Hough, D. D., of Middle- 
bury College, Vt., preached to the Church and congregation, and continued 
his labors through the Winter. The Church met on the 23d of March, 1841, 
and made out a call to Mr. Hough to become their Pastor, and " Resolved, that 
the snm of $500.00 be inserted in the call, as the amount to present to Mr. 
Hough, as an annual salary." This call having been accepted by Dr. Hough, 
he was installed Pastor of the Church, on the 24th of June, 1841, by the Pres- 
bytery of Portage. 

This relation continued until April, 1850, when it was dissolved by the Pres- 
bytery of Portage, in accordance with the united request of Pastor and people. 

During this same month, a call was extended to Rev. Hiram Bingham, to 
become Pastor of this Church, promising him a salary of $500. After some 
consideration, Mr. Bingham declared his acceptance of the call, and he was 
installed by the Presbytery of Portage on the 25th of December, 1850. 

Mr. Bingham continued his labors as Pastor of this Church until the second 
week or April, 1855, when his relation to the Church and Society was dissolv- 
ed by the Presbytery of Portage, in accordance with the desire of Pastor and 
people. 

Shortly after Mr. Bingham was dismissed, the Church employed Rev. Levi 
B. Wilson as stated supply, promising him $500 a year. But, during the year, 
they increased his salary to $600. Mr. Wilson continued his labors till Sep- 
tember, 1852, when, thinking he was not wanted, because he had not been call- 



76 

ed to settle among them, and because of a neglect of the Trustees formally to 
notify him that his services -were wanted, he suddenly left, greatly to the disap- 
pointment and grief of the people. 

Some time in the month of November following, the present Pastor received 
a call to settle among this people, on the same salary which Mr. Wilson had 
received. The call was accepted, and the instillation, by a mutual Council o* 
neighboring Ministers and Churches, occurred on the 2d of January, 1860. 

Other expenses of the Church in providing for her own wants, such as pro- 
viding Library for Sabbath School, and other incidental expenses, could not 
have boon less than $500. 

We have now before us all the items of expense which have been incurred in 
sustaining this Church for the last fifty years, amounting to $20,634. 

Much time and labor have also been necessary to sustain this Church thus 
far. We are now prepared to inquire whether the benefits of this Institution 
have been equal to the money and labor which they have cost. We can see, 
also, whether it is wise to try to sustain this Church for another fifty years. If 
the expense is greater than the advantage, then it would be wise to abandon the 
enterprise. How then stands the matter? 

In the temporal prosperity of this township, alone, we find a gain that more 
than equals all the cost. The existence and influence of this Church has given 
an increased value to real estate, that more than equals all the expense of its 
support. If religion costs a tithe of our annual income, it imparts more than 
ten per cent, value to our property. The people of this congregation arc richer 
to-day by many thousands of dollars than they would have been, if they had 
not been a religious community. Their history proves the truth of Scripture, 
that " Godliness is profitable unto all things having promise of the life that 
now is, as well as of that which is to come." We may therefore place all the 
other benefits, which have resulted from the existence and influence of this 
Church, in the column of clear gain. 

What has been done by this Church for .the benefit of others, cannot be defi- 
nitely ascertained. To all the regular charities of the Church, it is probable 
that this Church has made a contribution every year since the first. But there 
are many years of which no record is made of any contribution. What there- 
fore has been recorded, is not to be regarded as the full amount of what has 
been clone in this way. 

From records, which have been preserved, it appears that there has been con- 
tributed by this Church : 

To the American Bible Society, in 14 contributions $ 566 33 

To A. B. C. F. M., in 25 contributions 2223 52 

To A. H. M. S., in 14 " 1254 61 

To Tract Society, in 13 " 890 85 

To Seaman's Cause, in 11 " 48112 

To Education Cause, in 25 " 752 26 

To A. M. A.,in5 " 143 42 

To A. F. C. IT., in 4 " 104 45 

To other objects, such as W. R. College, Lake Erie Female Seminary, 
Mr. Seymour, a returned Missionary, the Colored Wesley Chapel, 
Pittsburgh, the Home, N. Y., Female Guardian Society, Chil- 
dren's Aid Society, Industrial School, Cleveland, and Kansas 
Relief 1398 31 

These contributions amount in all to $7,186 56 



77 

The record is specially imperfect in regard to what the ladies have done. In 
February, 1818, the young ladies of tins congregation formed a society to aid 
in sending the Bible and the Gospel tln/oughout the world. In March, 1819, 
the married ladies formed a similar society. In February, 1820, we find that 
these Female Benevolent Societies contributed $30, to constitute their Pastor, 
Rev. Joseph Treat, a life member of the American Bible Society. But for the 
following thirty years, there is no record of anything done by them. The 
probability is, that much was done within that time. From records, which 
have been kept, we learn that within the last six years they have contributed 
to benevolent objects, $356,77. 

The Children's Aid Society have contributed $30, to the poor children of 
Cleveland. 

What has been accomplished by means of these contributions, we have no 
means ftf knowing. But of this we may be assured, that an amount of good 
has been accomplished, which cannot be measured by dollars and cents. Were 
this all that has been accomplished by this Church, it would repay a hundred 
fold all that has been expended upon the organization itself. 

Since the organization of this Church, there have been added by letter 167; 
260 on profession of their faith; making 538 that are, or have been connected 
with it. 

The present number on our roll is 202. Against the names of six, who hav e 
belonged to this Church, I find written "Rejected." One has been sC Suspended," 
and five have been " Excommunicated." 

Seventy-nine of those, who have been dismissed, have become members of 
some forty Churches in the State of Ohio; eight went to Wisconsin; six have 
connected with Churches in the State of Iowa; three in Illinois; three in Ken- 
tucky; three in Indiana; three in Michigan; two in Pennsylvania; one in Con- 
necticut; one in Maine; one in Virginia; one in New York; one in Minnesota; 
three have become Ministers of the Gospel, and two are Foreign Missionaries. 
With these persons, who have gone into thirteen States of the Union, into Can- 
ada and the Island of Jamaica, have gone out influences from this Church. 
Many of these members are doing good in the places where God has cast their 
lots. Through them, this Church is doing good in all these places. 

Eighty-six, who have been members of this Church, have gone into the eter- 
nal world. Perhaps some of these were not found meet to enter the Holy City; 
but we have no doubt that many of them are there. The influence of this 
Church has extended into the heavenly world. Its greatest usefulness is doubt- 
less to be found in connection with those, who have here been trained for the 
Kingdom of Heaven. Here is the largest and longest extension of the 
good begun in this Church. We cherish with pleasure the thought of doing 
good in distant parts of our own land, and of other lands, by means of those 
who have gone out from us. Why not also cherish the thought that we are 
continually making contributions to the happiness and usefulness of the in- 
habitants of heaven by each individual who goes from us to that blessed world? 
Besides those, who have died in faith, and have entered into the purchased 
possession, there has been quite a company of little ones, who have gone up 
from the embrace of parental affection to enjoy the purer and more blessed love 



78 

of Jesus. The representatives of this Church in heaven are almost equal to the 
number now in fellowship with us. 

The greatest work, which this Church has ever undertaken, has been the 
training of her children for God. She has consecrated three hundred and 
eighty-three children to Him, whose she is, and whom she would serve. In 
regard to many of them, God has early accepted the consecration, by taking 
them to Himself. He has Himself assumed the care of their education. 

Those who have been spared, have received the united care and labor of the 
Church, in their education for heaven. They have not only been brought un- 
der the influence of public worship and instruction, but they have been gath- 
ered into Sabbath School. They are not left there to the care of competent 
instructors; but the whole Church gathers round them, and engages in the same 
exercises with them. Thus' the stimulus, which is always felt, where a large 
number are engaged in the same exercise, has been imparted to the children. 
Instead of belonging to the School for a few years in early youth, they have 
grown up in it, and deem it a privilege to be scholars for life. If the Church 
did not need the Sabbath School for their own improvement, there is no way 
in whicli they could do so much good to the children as by engaging with 
them in the study of the Bible. 

When we inquire why this Church has continued in a prosperous condition, 
while most of the Churches on the Reserve have been distracted, divided, and 
some of them extinguished, I am unable to find the reason, unless it is in the 
care that has been taken for the Christian education of the children. The same 
questions that have divided and ruined other Churches, have been discussed 
here. Cases of discipline have not produced the disastrous effects that have 
often attended them in other Churches. Why has it been thus? This Church 
has always had an important work on hand. They have all been engaged in 
this work. This I think lias been the tie that has kept them together. When 
a Church ceases to have a common work to do, of commanding importance, 
they are easily divided. Men are so conscientious in the maintain ance of their 
opinions, that fire and fagot will not restrain them. Nothing but this same 
conscientiousness rightly directed will do it. If they are engaged in any im- 
portant christian work, they can easily see how strife will affect their success. 
The religious education of the children of the Church has here been regarded 
of so much importance as to secure the continued co-operation of the whole 
Church. The strength of this common purpose, and the feelings of sympathy 
and union, which have been cultivated by this common effort, have held them 
together. 

The success, which has attended this effort, is encouraging. The Church is 
now largely composed of her own children, whom she has consecrated to God, 
and trained for him. The advantage of such a consecration, and such an edu- 
cation is seen in the additional fact, that, of the 438, who have been connected 
with this Church, oidy 34 were not baptized in childhood. Whatever others 
may think of it, it is very manifest that God is not strongly opposed to the 
baptism of children. On the contrary, He shows special tokens of favor to 
those, who in tins way consecrate their children to Him. It has been estab- 
lished by facts that a much larger number of children, who have been thus 



79 

consecrated to God, are converted and become useful members of the Church, 
than of the children of christian parents, who do not thus consecrate their chil- 
dren. If God will only approve, we will rejoice in the privilege of consecra- 
ting our children to Him, and then we will endeavor to train them for Him. 

It would not be right to close this review of the last fifty years without no- 
ticing the seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, which have been 
enjoyed. In 1822 some thirty individuals were added to the Church as the 
fruit of a revival that was enjoyed at that time. In 1831, 35 were added. In 
1835,21. In 1843, 36. In 1845, 12, In 1849, 13. In 1851, 18. In 1860,28. 
The intervals between these seasons of refreshing have been from two to eleven 
years. Individual conversions have occurred between these seasons of special 
religious interest. Thus we see that, while the progress of the Church has been 
largely periodical, a different kind of progress is possible. While we praise 
God, that, for His own name's sake, He does thus, in the midst of deserved 
wrath, remember mercy, we should seek that more desirable progress that shall 
be unintermitted, as the growth of any healthful form of life. It is possible, 
and surely it is desirable. 

With this hasty glance at the fifty years history of this Church, what are the 
lessons of wisdom, which we should learn from it? 

We have seen that what has been done, has been effected, instrumentally, by 
a united and self-sacrificing effort to accomplish it. We learn from this, that 
similar results may be expected from similar efforts. If we would have greater 
results, there must be more of the spirit of christian union and co-operation in 
the service of Christ. What has been will continue to be true, ''That he, who 
soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he, who sows bountifully, shall 
reap also bountifully." Our fathers often had to struggle hard to meet their 
responsibilities. If they had given the same amount from larger means, they 
would not have been so largely blest. If we do not undertake labors for Christ 
that shall tax our resources as much as theirs was taxed, we shall not be blessed 
as they were. Our fathers have not so borne the burden and heat of the day 
that we can afford to take it easy. Children often lose what has been acquired 
for them by the labor of their ] arents, because they do not keep up the indus- 
trious habits of their parents. So we may lose all the religious privileges 
which have been procured for us, by refusing to labor to sustain them as our 
fathers did. What they have accomplished does not in the least diminish the 
necessity for self-denying effort on our part. 

In looking over the history of the past, we see rocks on which this Church 
came near being wrecked. The wisdom we should learn, is carefully to avoid 
those rocks in the future. A little carelessness, or wilfulness, may be ruinous. 
By all the precious freight that is embarked in our vessel, let us be entreated to 
avoid those rocks. 

Finally; the progress of the past invites and encourages us to seek greater 
progress in the future. The uniformity of Nature and Providence is not of such 
a kind as to discourage all thought of progress. On the contrary, it is of such 
a kind as to make the most desirable progress possible, and certain to t]*>se who 
earnestly, and in proper ways, seek it. 



80 

We are to commence to-day making the history of the next fifly years. It 
depends very much upon us, who are here on this occasion, to say what that 
history shall be. Fifty years is time enough to accomplish great things. But 
we know, from Scripture, that the history of a long life may be truly and fully 
given in these words, " He lived so many years and died." We may make a 
short history for the next fifty years. We may also, by the blessing of God, 
fill it full of the incidents of Clu-istian enterprise and success. Which shall it 
be? 




